The route starts at Hathersage Road where the North-most end of Stony Ridge Road joins it on the outskirts of Sheffield, close to Fox House Inn. This was once the location of Stony Ridge Toll Bar, the location being marked with a commemoration stone. At Fox House a separate branch, also designated the A6187 turns off towards Froggatt Edge where it joins the South-most end of Stony Ridge Road. Beyond Fox House the route leading to Hathersage is joined by the B6521 road to Grindleford via Padley Gorge. The A6187 crosses the Burbage Brook, then passes a rock known as Toad's Mouth where it crosses into Derbyshire. The road continues towards Hathersage passing between Owler Tor and Over Owler Tor and then takes a tight curve at Surprise View where the traveller will be greeted with a view of Hope Valley. At this point, where it descends towards the valley bottom it is called Sheffield Road.