It lies entirely within the counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire, crossing the Yorkshire Dales and the Yorkshire Wolds in the North of England, passing through the historic cities of Lancaster, Ripon and York and scenic towns and villages including Settle and Pateley Bridge At 170 miles (270 km) long,[2] the route is designed for the whole range of cyclists, from families to cycling club riders.

Although a challenge with some hard climbs, the highest point being over 1,312 feet (400 m), the route is steadily increasing in popularity[when?]

[3] The route was developed by Sustrans and part of the National Cycle Network (NCN Route 69) in partnership with various Local Authorities, Lancaster City Council, Cyclists Touring Club, Bridlington Renaissance Partnership and Welcome to Yorkshire amongst others.

[5] Additionally, there is a section that links Kingston upon Hull to the cycle route that joins/leaves near Pocklington rather than going to/from Bridlington.

[8] From there it makes its steepest climb (eastwards) across the edge of Rye Loaf Hill before descending to Airton.

Beyond Pateley Bridge the hills are significantly lower and after Ripon (with a short exception of the Yorkshire Wolds) the route is more or less flat, passing through York before finally reaching Bridlington and the North Sea.