Although Buttertubs is very likely to be blocked by drifting snow up to 3m deep at times, it is one of the first deeply snowed-in roads to be cleared by snow-blower. Great care should be taken if there is much wind or new snow is forecast, however. There is parking at the cattle grid at 867955, and the worst drifting occurs north of this, so access is most reliable (and safest) from Hawes.

A fairly distinct line leads north onto the fell, staying high above the deeply incised Fossdale Gill (slab avalanches occur on the west bank opposite). As this becomes shallower higher up, follow its east bank and curve west to reach an isolated section of drystone wall. Gentler terrain leads through rocky patches and past many Stone Men towards the trig point at 716m. This tour has excellent views to Ingleborough far to the south.

[There should also be a good ascent on the Pennine Way from Cloggerby Rigg in the valley near Thwaite ? Is this track too narrow to permit a safe descent on hippy-sticks ?]

A shorter tour from the same parking point climbs Lovely Seat to the east. Although apparently uniform on the map, these NW-facing slopes have shallow drainage lines which hold drifted snow and can provide nice skiing. The top slope between 630 and 660m is a little steep, but can conveniently be tackled by a long diagonal traverse away from the rocks at its SW end. Alternatively, if the snow is there, it can be avoided by traversing below the W and SW sides of the hill and climbing easy slopes S of the summit. Descents by either route are pleasant and not taxing.

[The ridge could be continued over Oxnop Head and along the watershed. Much of this area is extremely heathery and very good cover would be needed. However, there are lots of bridleways again between Whitaside and Grinton Lodge]

Starting from Grinton Moor in good snow cover, an easy ascent leads over Height of Greets and down into Apedale either on the track, or in one of several wide grassy drainage lines. Apedale can be ascended on the track if snow is consolidated, or on grassier areas further left if cover is soft or a little thin. From Morley's Folly, good cover is needed for the fairly steep descent to reach the road at Whitaside, but better is to turn right, negotiating a short peaty section (frozen ground helps in this terrain) and one steepish bit to cross Birks gill, then a splendid run along the bridleway above Swaledale. This needs better cover over Harkerside Moor, where it can be a little rocky in places, and the path above Long Scar (not marked on the map) is better than the bridleway (not marked on the ground !) to reach Grovebeck and an easy track back to the Grinton Moor road. This is definitely a tour which will be more rewarding in quite deep snow, as otherwise one has to exercise care in avoiding some of the rockier areas of various landrover tracks.

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