Immediately north and south of Parton, the line runs almost on the seashore, at the foot of cliffs which require supervision and occasional stabilisation to prevent landslides.

There was a signal box immediately to the north of the station that formerly controlled this section, but this was closed and demolished due to its deteriorating condition in May 2010 (control passing to the adjacent box at Whitehaven Bransty).

Train running information is provided by telephone, digital CIS screens and timetable posters.

Services run approximately hourly from mid-morning until early evening, with later trains terminating at Whitehaven.

This represents a major upgrade on the former infrequent service of four per day each way to/from Whitehaven only that previously operated.