Following in the tracks of Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson along his ‘favourite’ route the Buttertubs Pass, opens up spectacular views for visitors to the Yorkshire Dales.

The 5.5 mile stretch of twisty and undulating road from Hawes to Thwaite takes you high into the 2,215-foot peak known as ‘Lovely Seat’ where only sheep inhabit the wilderness.

Travelling from the Hawes direction we climbed into the descending cloud which gave our drive an eerie edge, but didn’t detract too much from the outlook across the moorland and surrounding fells.

The descent on the other side serves up the most dramatic scenery as only a thin strip of reinforced wire separates your car from a sheer drop of several hundred feet.

There are many places to park and soak up the atmosphere including a roadside stop next to an enormous limestone pot hole, from where the road takes its name.

It is said that local farmers would store their butter in them on hot summer days while making their way to the local market town.

Fortunately our base for the two-night whistle stop tour of the Dales was situated at the foot of the Buttertubs Pass.

The impressive privately-owned Simonstone Hall is nestled in the heart of Wensleydale or ‘Postman Pat’ country as my wife and I liked to call it.

Not only is it on the route described as ‘England’s only truly spectacular road’ by Clarkson but is also just a stone’s throw from the Pennine Way and numerous other foot paths.

The 18-room country house enjoys unrivalled views across the fells down towards the market town of Hawes.

We were well catered for in the brasserie and restaurant, while the pub served the finest local ales including a sweet-tasting bitter called Black Sheep which soon became a favourite of mine.

There are several footpaths, quite literally, on your doorstep with Hawes just under a mile away along the clearly-defined Pennine Way which borders the picturesque River Ure.

Despite the close proximity of paths that criss-cross Simonstone Hall’s grounds, we decided to hop in the car for the short drive to Hawes.

It was purely a logistical move so we could follow, word for word, the route picked out in our newly-purchased walkers’ guide (Walks Around Wensleydale, £2.99).

Our chosen circular 4.5-mile trek began in the car park of the Dales Countryside Museum, housed in converted Victorian railway station buildings, and wound its way through the cobbled streets of Hawe, up into the hills past the church.

Early landmarks included the famous Wensleydale Creamery cheese-making factory and the impressive Appersett Viaduct that once carried the Wensleydale Railway.

Unfortunately this particular section of the 46-mile line from Northallerton to Garsdale was dismantled in 1954.

Towards the end of our trek was Hardraw Force, England’s highest single-drop waterfall which cascades 100 feet to the sparkling pool below.

It is accessed through the enchanting 13th century Green Dragon public house which charges a £2 admission fee to see the privately owned waterfall.

A quick U-turn back into Hardraw village takes you directly onto a short section of the 258-mile long Pennine Way that skirts past the back of Simonstone Hall before winding its way back into Hawes.

The Dales Country Museum is well worth the £4 entrance fee and gave us an excellent insight into the way of life for Yorkshire folk throughout history.

Among the artefacts on display were a Bronze Age spearhead and a stunning gold Viking ring found in a drainage ditch near Sedburgh.

Within a 15 to 20-mile radius of Hawes are the picturesque Ingleton waterfalls and caves. On the B6255 road from Hawes is the longest show cave in Britain – White Scar Cave – with its guided tours.

A little further afield are countless abbey ruins, gardens, and castles to visit.

The Yorkshire Dales is one of only 10 national parks in England, including our very own New Forest, established to protect our truly remarkable landscapes.

Getaway

Summer breaks at Simonstone Hall (Simonstone, Hawes, DL8 3LY) range from £450 to £510 for two night’s dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation.

For further details telephone 01969 667255, visit simonstonehall.com or email enquiries@simonstonehall.com