[3] It was later decided that a line operating as far as Alston was sufficient, with the amended route approved by a further Act in July 1849.

In March 1851, the 4½-mile section from Haltwhistle to Shaft Hill (which was later renamed Coanwood) was opened to goods traffic, with passenger services commencing in July 1851.

Construction of the branch line was completed in November 1852, following the opening of the, now Grade II* listed,[4] Lambley Viaduct over the River South Tyne.

The line was originally marked for closure in the 1960s, under the Beeching plan, however the lack of an all-weather road kept it open.

Following improvements to the road network, including a temporary level crossing over the branch at Lambley, the line was closed on 3 May 1976 by the British Railways Board, with the last train working two days earlier.