The route runs south-east to north-west through the northern East Midlands, largely through former coal-mining areas.

Kelham Bridge was built in 1857 when larger road vehicles never existed, and is mildly dangerous.

It passes through Hockerton and the Spread Eagle, following a northern ridge of the River Greet, further to the south.

The eastern end of the bypass crosses a former railway, and meets the B6020 at a roundabout, where the dual carriageway begins, close to the JET Python Hill Service Station on the B6020.

The Rainworth bypass crosses Clipstone Forest and Rainworth Water, enters Mansfield District, and meets the former route of the A617 at the large landscaped Three Thorn Roundabout (named after Three Thorn Hollow Farm), built in anticipation of a bridge over the roundabout at the junction.

The £8m Rainworth Bypass, built by Birse, was opened on Friday 23 June 2000 at 1.30pm with a commemorative plaque unveiled on the trussed footbridge to Strawberry Hill.

The southern section from Rainworth to the A38 opened on 21 December 2004 and was built by Alfred McAlpine, and designed by Babtie, Shaw and Morton of Glasgow.

It passes through Pleasleyhill, becoming dual-carriageway where it crosses the River Meden entering Derbyshire and Bolsover District, meeting the B6407 and B6417 at the large Pleasley Roundabout with access for the Sports Direct warehouse at Shirebrook via the B6407; the Pleasley Bypass was built in the early 1970s.

The road enters the borough of Chesterfield, and the western terminus is with the A61 at the Lordsmill Roundabout, having crossed under the Midland Main Line.