From its summit the road descends through Millhouse Green, Thurlstone, around Penistone before joining the M1 motorway at Junction 37.

The road's altitude and its exposure to the weather over the Woodhead Pass creates problems in winter[4][5] when it can be closed because of snow or high winds.

[6] The high altitude of the pass and its winding, narrow route through the Pennine hills makes travelling difficult, and the road is often closed.

High winds along the pass cause HGVs to overturn or jack-knife, creating obstructions, and ice can make the road "like a skating rink".

[7][8] The Longdendale Bypass has been promoted as a project to remove traffic from the villages of Mottram, Hollingworth and Tintwistle, which lie between the M67 and the Woodhead Pass.