Routes 656 and 657 combine to make a 55-mile circular tour on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, via Thirsk and Easingwold. There are steep climbs onto the moors: in contrast, from Thirsk back to Easingwold is as flat as can be. A few sections are on forest tracks and require moderately puncture-proof tyres. Route 65 passes through the middle of the loop and offers an opportunity for shorter tours.