The line currently runs for 3+1⁄2 miles (5.6 km) from Hammersmith via Butterley, Swanwick Junction and Riddings to Ironville.

The Ambergate to Pye Bridge line, during its operation, was used to serve the collieries of Marehay, Hartshay, Pentrich, Swanwick and Britain Pit.

[6] The signal box at Butterley was formerly situated at Ais Gill on the Settle to Carlisle line.

A carriage shed also stands at the eastern end of the yard, neither the signal box or carriage shed are open to the public.In the yard is also the Garden Railway; an outdoor 16 mm scale model railway which runs on most Sundays and some Saturdays.

The line consists of about 1⁄6 mile (0.27 km) of track, a traverser, tunnel, decorative speed signs and signal box.

[citation needed] From 2007 to 2019, the MR:B hosted Indietracks, a music festival that was held at the Swanwick Junction site.

[9] The steam engines of the Midland Railway Trust that run passenger services are mostly ex-LMS and BR locomotives of similar designs.

Made first post overhaul moves in October 2023 with re-entry to service planned to take place in December 2023.

The Matthew Kirtley shed is the largest building on the Swanwick Junction site and holds all the exhibits of the museum.

[31] The Golden Valley Light Railway is a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge line.

In addition to the standard gauge stock on the Midland Railway, The Golden Valley Light Railway, a separate organisation altogether, owns a collection of locomotives, ex colliery manriders, Ashover coach No.4 and ex industrial wagons, many of which are being restored to work on the line.