Also known as the ‘Cote de Buttertubs’ if you were watching the 2014 Tour. Don’t let its cutesy name fool you – this 4.5km ascent touches 17% in parts

Katherine Moore

March 16, 2020

Set in beautiful Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales, Buttertubs pass is a classic climb for road cyclists. The ascent from the northern side is perhaps more popular, although the southern side is more steady.

Expect to climb up to 1,740 feet (530 m) with gradients of up to an eye-watering 20%, and don't forget to enjoy the descent afterwards!

rob_webb_dbbc

September 23, 2019

Top 100 Climbs 49

The giant Buttertubs Pass is brilliant to climb from either direction. The south side kicks up steep then gradually alleviates as it approaches the top, but the north is the toughest, with two sectors of brutal gradient to conquer. Leaving the B6270 from Thwaite, Cliff Gate Road is tough straightaway, with a stretch of 14% that although easing slightly, doesn't allow for rest. The immaculate surface pulls you towards an Alpine-style-zig-zag of hairpins. The gradient is a fearsome 25% here - switching right, left, then right again, you must keep your momentum through these sharp corners.
Unfortunately your reward is a gaping cattle gride, with gaps so large whole cows could slip through them. A sharp snaking downhill (the sheer drop to the left fenced off) takes you on to the final section. With the summit in sight you have to heave your bike up yet another 20% section that will have you begging the climb to end.

Details

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Distance 5.03 km

Uphill 290 m

Downhill 20 m

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Location: High Abbotside, Richmondshire, North Yorkshire, Yorkshire And The Humber, England, United Kingdom

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