The single line branch was authorised on 1 March 1899 by the Leek, Caldon Low, and Hartington Light Railways Order, 1898,[5][6] and construction took several years.

The station at Ipstones was just before the summit of the line, which was also the highest point on the NSR, at 1,000 feet (304.8 m) above sea level.

[8] A passing loop was installed and Ipstones was a block section with Bradnop and Caldon Junction signalboxes.

[12] In 2014 this plan was placed on hold as the Competition Commission ruled that Lafarge Tarmac must sell one of its sites, possibly Caldon Low, so the heritage railway the Churnet Valley Railway are seeking to purchase the line.

[13] The Churnet Valley Railway ran the first services to Caldon Lowe in 2010 and reopened the loop at Ipstones in February 2014.