Incorporated on 14 July 1864, opened from Marple to Bollington for passengers on 2 August 1869 and for goods on 1 March 1870, and on to Macclesfield for goods on 3 April 1871 and for passengers on 1 July 1873. Vested jointly in the Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway and the North Staffordshire Railway with effct from 25 May 1871.