The strata dip gently to the east and form a scarp which runs southeast from Barton upon Humber via Caistor before it loses its identity north of Spilsby.

A series of other rock layers intervene from the Caistor area southwards, uppermost of which are the green-brown Carstones: Lower/early Cretaceous Upper/late Jurassic The numerous dry valleys cut into the dip-slope are typically floored by head, locally derived clay, silt, sand and gravel.

The western valleys were created during recent glacial periods through the action of water over frozen ground whilst many in the east represent subglacial drainage.

[1][2] The boundaries of the AONB are marked by tourist signs incorporating stylized hills and trees, placed on roads leading into the area.

They are 'ringed' by several small market towns that lie around their edge:[1] Many of the place-names in the Wolds indicate a strong Viking influence in the area's history.

[1] The Wolds are now promoted as a tourist destination: the area's connection with Tennyson (who was born in Somersby) is being exploited,[8][9] and farmers are being encouraged to diversify into the tourism industry.