With its variety of landscapes, picturesque villages and undulating roads, the county of Yorkshire is a haven for petrol heads. Here are seven of Yorkshire's most scenic and thrilling drives. Hawes to Thwaite The road from Hawes to Thwaite is a high and winding road known locally as Buttertubs Pass due to the curious limestone potholes which line the road. The ribbon of tarmac is held in high esteem by local cyclists and featured in stage one of the 2014 Tour de France - but the drive along Buttertubs can be just as fun on four wheels. Though only seven miles long, this drive packs a punch and offers sublime views of the Yorkshire Dales countryside. Distance: 7 miles Stainforth to Malham This pint-sized route delivers exquisite views of the limestone pavement which punctuates the Yorkshire Dales countryside. The slim road navigates through steep terrain before emerging to the charming village of Malham. Consider parking in Malham and striding up to Malham Cove, where you can get up close and personal with the unique limestone landscape. Distance: 7 miles Malham is a charming village surrounded by extraordinary limestone features (Photo: Shutterstock) Keld to Langthwaite Offering divine views of Swaledale and some of the Yorkshire Dales' highest peaks, Long Causeway is a classic Yorkshire drive. The road snakes through the charming hamlet of Whaw and past Great Britain's highest pub, the Tan Hill Inn. Despite its popularity the road is often devoid of traffic, allowing for a stress free drive. Distance: 13 miles Whitby to Hutton-le-Hole via Smith's Lane Villages don't come much more picture-perfect than Hutton-le-Hole. The drive to the village from both Whitby and York is one to remember, though the drive from the former via Smith's Lane provides marginally better views of the North Yorkshire Moors national park. When you arrive in Hutton-le-Hole take care not to run over one of the many sheep which freely roam the village's streets. Distance: 21 miles The streets of Hutton-le-Hole are often overrun with local residents (Photo: Shutterstock) York to Helmsley The road north of York to the gorgeous market town of Helmsley provides drivers with delightful views of the North Yorkshire Moors. The B1363 goes through some of the regions most charming farmland and countryside. For a truly epic Yorkshire drive consider pairing this drive with the previously mentioned Whitby to Hutton-le-Hole drive. Distance: 24 miles Whitby to Scarborough via Robin Hood's Bay Get familiar with the Yorkshire coast with this scenic route between Whitby and Scarborough. Though there are swifter routes between the towns, a winding detour to the beautiful coastal village of Robin Hood's Bay is worthwhile. From Robin Hood's Bay return to the A771 and explore the remainder of the North Yorkshire coast. If you have spare time on your hands consider making a further detour to the quaint village of Ravenscar. Distance: 22 miles Robin Hood's Bay is reached via a winding and picturesque road (Photo: Shutterstock) Kirkby Lonsdale to Grassington The A65 skirts along the southern Yorkshire Dales, offering superlative views of rolling Yorkshire countryside and prominent peak Ingleborough. Follow the road from Kirkby Longsdale as far as Gargrave before heading north into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Finish off in Grassington, a picturesque village surrounded by gorgeous limestone scenery. Distance: 36 miles
