Served Naworth Coalfield in Cumbria from 1799, originally as a gravity and horse-worked wooden wagonway. Known as Lord Carlisle's railway as most of it was laid out within his estate. The line was renewed in 1836 and from 15 July 1836 it operated the first steam passenger service in the Lake Counties, although regular services remained horse-drawn until 4 July 1881. Leased to the NER as of 29 October 1912, it closed for three years from 1 March 1917 as a World War I economy. It reopened three years later but finally closed to passengers on 29 October 1923. Other services continued, operated by the National Coal Board, until March 1953.