[1] At its lower (eastern) end is the village of Cromford and its Georgian mill, built by inventor and entrepreneur Richard Arkwright.

The road appears to have been constructed about 1790 to connect the Gells' extensive lead-mining interests around Wirksworth with a new smelter at Cromford.

In modern times the Via Gellia developed a reputation as being a dangerous road with a disproportionately high casualty rate, particularly among motorcyclists.

This was due in part to its relative narrowness, the number of large goods vehicles using it to access the quarries, and its canopy of overhanging trees resulting in a persistently damp surface.

[2] Average speed check cameras (SPECS) will be fitted early in 2025 along with a reduction in speed limits [3] The fabric Viyella, a wool and cotton mix, is named after the Via Gellia, the location of W. Hollins & Company's textile mill where it was originally produced.