Thinking of heading up to the Dales in a few weeks for a ride ,I've never ridden there before. can anyone suggest a good day long route, preferebly starting from a village with a pub where we could stay the night before.

many thanks.

you could start from Appletreewick, lovely spot.
The New Inn is run by a guy (cant recall his name) who is a local mtb legend
http://www.numplumz.com/Ride_reports/NYorks/Applewick.htm
really nice guy and very heplful.
some top riding from here, cant go wrong

Which Dale? That's quite a big area!

Which Dale? That's quite a big area!

Not being funny, but I think that was the question.

Reading with interest, but don't know the Dales well enough to help Simon, beyond recommending the South Dales VG guidebook.

If you fancy the north end of the Dales then Reeth would be an excellent base – there are plenty of pubs or you could stay HERE Stu and Anthony know loads of routes in the area and rides can be made as big as you like.

Pately Bridge is a fine route about 24 miles with a a bit of everything in there. The North York moors is also worth a look, it has some of the best single track riding I've ever seen, miles and miles of moorland tracks.

fantastic, thanks for the info, I really don't know the area so thats some great pointers.

Pub Marton Arms Thornton in Longdale. 15 real ales
Route tour of Inglebough, 27 miles