The six-and-a-half mile standard gauge line was the only section built of a plan to connect Shrewsbury with mid Wales.

The route, which was conceived in the late 1850s, was planned to connect Shrewsbury via Hanwood on the Cambrian Line, with Pontesbury, Minsterley, Montgomery and Newtown.

However, with the northerly section of the Cambrian main line into Wales opening the following year (connecting Newtown via Welshpool to Shrewsbury), it became apparent there was little need to continue beyond Minsterley.

Much of the old trackbed has now been redeveloped though some rail infrastructure remains, such as bridge abutments.

A large dairy-related factory also exists on either side of the old trackbed (just before the terminus) and the stationmaster's house has been converted to a private residence.