The River Riccal is a tributary of the River Rye, which in turn is a tributary of the River Derwent. The river name originates in the fourteenth century as Ricolvegraines means Rye Calf, where Calf is a small island near a larger one. This describes the way the river, and those nearby, form islands as their nature changes due to meandering.
The source of the River Riccal can be found where the Cowhouse Beck and Bonfield Gill meet at the end of Lund Ridge at Coning's Birks in Hag Wood in the North York Moors National Park. The river meanders south and south-east through woodland, passing the villages of Carlton and Pockley. The river emerges into open countryside to the east of Helmsley, shortly before passing's under the A170, continuing south towards Harome. Near the cache site the river turns east south-east heading towards High Waterholmes where it joins the River Rye.