It was opened by the Great Northern Railway on its Derbyshire Extension in 1878 and closed in 1964.

From Awsworth the line crossed the Erewash Valley by means of the impressive Bennerley Viaduct which has been partly preserved.

It then made the climb to Ilkeston before crossing the Nut Brook towards West Hallam.

Ilkeston at one time had three stations, Ilkeston Town being on a branch leading from the Midland Railway's Erewash Valley Line at the third station, Ilkeston Junction and Cossall.

Some of the remaining track bed has also been built on, with the remainder to the East forming the Cotmanhay Linear Park.