It was hoped that the line would revive Bollington's cotton industry, carry the stone from quarries in Kerridge and serve the collieries around Poynton.

In response to such competition, the L&NWR, which was surprised by the success of the MB&MR's proposal, quickly came to an amicable traffic agreement with the NSR.

Initially, there were five stations on the line: Marple (Rose Hill), High Lane, Higher Poynton, Bollington and Macclesfield.

On 5 January 1970, the section between Rose Hill (Marple) and Macclesfield closed to all traffic; the track was lifted in early 1971.

Only Rose Hill remained in operation due to the high number of passengers commuting to Manchester Piccadilly.

The platforms of High Lane and Higher Poynton stations are still extant; they have been restored and include picnic sites.