The road begins at Thirsk, sprouting off from the A19 road and A168 junction with a short section north into the town before turning due east and going over the dualled A19. After about and passing through the village of Sutton-Under-Whitestonecliffe, it enters the North York Moors National Park and the Hambleton Hills and reaches the three sections of very steep (1 in 4 (25%)) gradients of Sutton Bank. This section of road also includes a hairpin bend and the road rises in under . There is a viewpoint and North York Moors National Park visitor centre at the top of the hill.