This railway system was created to suit the needs of the transportation industry. According to the Cumbria Railways website, it was used to transport iron ore and pig iron from West Cumbria to the North East. Work on the line began in 1862 and was officially opened for good traffic in 1864. The line was over 31 miles long with eight main stations between Cockermouth and Penrith. The line west of Keswick was closed in 1966 and the Keswick to Penrith section followed close behind in 1972. Part of the track between Cockermouth and Bassenthwaite Lake was turned into the A66 road. Parts of the track between Keswick and Penrith has been transformed into a cycle and walking route.