The MH&R soon amalgamated with the "little" North Western Railway, which continued the line eastward from 17 November 1849, reaching Skipton in 1850.

[2][3] The station was on the southern bank of the River Lune, adjacent to Skerton Bridge and immediately to the north of the city centre.

This was the first high-voltage overhead electrification in the United Kingdom and was at 6,600 volts AC 25 Hz; it was the pioneer for such systems.

Steam traction took over for a short while and then the power supply was upgraded to 50 Hz and some new stock provided; this was to act as a test-bed for further main-line electrification in the UK.

The line between Wennington and Morecambe via Green Ayre fell victim to the Beeching Axe.