Originally authorized on 2 May 1825. The line opened from Cromford to Hurdlow on 29 May 1830, and Whaley Bridge on 6 July 1831. Until a junction was put in at Cromford in 1853 the line was isolated, and another junction with the Stockport, Disley and Whaley Bridge Railway was made in 1857. The company was re-incorporated on 26 June 1862 by the L&NWR, hoping for a new route to London. The L&NWR absorbed the company on 19 July 1887.