It was mainly used for coal, limestone and iron ore traffic for the local industries.
Construction began shortly after and the line between Workington and Cleator Moor was opened in 1879.
The line continued northwards from Workington to a junction with the London and North Western Railway (LNWR) at Siddick, approximately two miles away.
Several branch lines were built including that to Rowrah, of which a short 300 yard section remained in use there as a backshunt until 1978.
The Northern Extension section that served the Broughton Moor Armaments Depot closed on 4 June 1992.
Cleator Moor West - Moresby Parks - Distington - High Harrington - Workington Central (Route in Google Maps) Workington Central - Seaton (Cumbria) - Great Broughton (Route in Google Maps) The Rowrah Line was branch line that left the mainline south of Distington, accessing the mines and quarries near Rowrah.
The Company built a single road engine shed near the junction to house a C&WJR locomotive that worked the line.
Built originally for Ward, Ross & Liddlelow, railway contractors to the C&WJR, No.
2 was originally named Ennerdale but the nameplates were removed after acquisition by the C&WJR on the order of the Managing Director.
Wake Ltd., Dealers, Darlington, County Durham, July 1920[2] An outside cylinder 0-6-0ST built in 1885 by the Lowca Engineering Co. Ltd. for the C&WJR.
Disposal: Withdrawn 11/12/1926 and scrapped by the LM&SR[2] An outside cylinder 0-6-0ST built in 1896 by Robert Stephenson and Company for the C&WJR.
Disposal: Withdrawn 18/12/1926 and scrapped by the LM&SR[2] An 0-6-0ST built in 1907 by Peckett and Sons for the C&WJR.
Disposal: Withdrawn 3/12/1927 and scrapped by the LM&SR[2] An outside cylinder 0-6-0ST built in 1919 by Peckett and Sons for the C&WJR.
Disposal: Withdrawn 5/12/1928 and scrapped by the LM&SR[2] An outside cylinder 0-6-0ST built in 1920 by Hudswell Clarke & Co. for the C&WJR.
Disposal: Withdrawn 1932 by LM&SR and sold to Hartley main Collieries Northumberland, via Robert frazer & Sons Ltd., Hebburn, County Durham.