The stage from Lincoln to Grewelthorpe is a long northwest line across eastern and northern England. Leaving the Lincoln area, the route stays flat at first, with open fields, drainage ditches and the Cathedral Hill behind as a reference point. Near Gainsborough, it reaches the Trent; after that, the day remains low, exposed and often wind-sensitive. Across the plains of Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire, the ride passes small villages, hedges, farm roads and long straight sections. Around Selby, Tadcaster and Wetherby, the terrain starts to move more. Rivers such as the Ouse and Wharfe cut across the route before Ripon and Masham come closer. The final kilometres climb properly: smaller roads, more green, stone walls and the first hills around Grewelthorpe.
