The line between Ayr and Mauchline opened on 1 September 1870 to regular passenger services.
[2] A line was also opened from Ochiltree to Holehouse Junction allowing services access to and from the Ayr and Dalmellington Railway.
The section between Annbank and Mauchline closed to regular passenger services on 4 January 1943,[1] with the remaining line between Ayr and Cronberry closing on 10 September 1951,[2] with freight services continuing at most stations until 1964.
[1] Today the line between Ayr and Mauchline still exists and is active after being reopened to freight traffic in March 1988.
The context of the development of this route is discussed in the article Cross-country lines of the Glasgow and South Western Railway.