[2] It was built for the benefit of the Duke of Devonshire of Chatsworth House who, having previously declined to allow the railway to pass over the easier terrain of his lands, belatedly saw its possible benefit.

It is now a family friendly cafe, with outdoor covered seating, play area, book shop, gift shop and cycle hire facility.

Disabled access and toilets are available here, along with a large car park.

[8] The trackbed forms part of the Monsal Trail, a shared-use path.

Four tunnels, located between the Great Longstone station and Topley Pike Junction sites, were reopened on the trail in May 2011; this lengthened the trail to a continuous 8.5 miles (13.7 km) for cyclists walkers and riders.