Dales Circular

This is a decent length route, spanning 166 miles right across the length and breadth of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and taking in some of the best roads it has to offer. It's doable in a single stint, but if you don't quite fancy a full day in the saddle, you can easily break it up into two smaller, bite-sized chunks

166 miles / 6 hours 2 minutes

Starting at the head of Wensleydale, in the popular biker haunt of Hawes, where on any given day you'll find bikes of all shapes and sizes poised to explore the excellent roads which surround the well-equipped market town, there're a few different ways you can make the most from the route. We'll kick things off by heading out towards Apperset on the A684 before turning right on to the brilliant B6259, which will take you through Aisgill, Mallerstang, Outhgill and Southwaite. You might have only just got going, but it's worth a quick nip to Pendragon Castle, which was reputed to have been built by Uther Pendragon (the father of King Arthur) back in the 5th century. It's now a ruin, but sitting in the Mallerstand Valley beside the River Eden, with Wild Boar Fell and Mallerstang Edge towering above, it's as good a spot as any for a quick leg stretch.

Back on the bike it's a bit further along the B6259 to Nateby, before swinging a right on to the B6270 before turning left just after Wain Wath Force on to Stonesdale Lane, which will take you all the way up to Tan Hill and the famous Tan Hill Inn. If you fancy a quick brew or a bite to eat, the welcoming pub is the perfect spot for it - and with a fire always stoked, you'll be warmed and ready to get out on the bike again in no time.