A Breezy but Brilliant Day of Drone Adventures: Uncovering Hidden Gems

After days of rain and wind keeping the drone grounded, it was such a relief to finally get out again! Though it was still a bit breezy, the conditions were just manageable enough for some exciting flights. I ventured out to a few spots today, and each one had something special to offer. Here’s how the day unfolded.

Possible Deer House near Staindrop: A Curious Find

First up was a possible Deer House near Staindrop, a structure I’d noticed while out on a bike ride the other day. It’s not part of the nearby Deer Park, but it’s close by and definitely looks like something built for housing deer or other animals centuries ago. Deer Houses were often constructed on estates in the 18th and 19th centuries to provide shelter for deer during harsh winters, so it’s possible this structure had a similar purpose.

The building looked fantastic from above, and I captured some great aerial video and drone photos. The perspective from the air really shows how it sits within the landscape, and it’s always fascinating to discover these lesser-known structures.

Kinninvie Viaduct: A Hidden Railway Relic

Next, I headed to the Kinninvie Viaduct, a place I didn’t even know existed until recently! I had previously visited the Langley Viaduct, but this one—just a couple of miles away toward Barnard Castle—was a new discovery. Built in the mid-19th century as part of the railway network, the Kinninvie Viaduct served a vital role in transporting goods and passengers across the area. Although the viaduct is no longer in use, it still stands as a testament to Victorian engineering.

The viaduct is quite overgrown, so even with the drone, I couldn’t get the clearest view of its full structure, but there’s something about its hidden, forgotten charm that I love. I captured some drone photos and aerial video, and even though the view was obscured by vegetation, the viaduct’s grandeur still shines through.

Ravensworth Castle: A Ruined Masterpiece

While searching for something else (that I never found), I stumbled upon the incredible Ravensworth Castle. Dating back to the 14th century, Ravensworth Castle once belonged to the FitzHugh family, powerful medieval lords who played a prominent role in the politics of the time. The castle is now in ruins, but even in its decayed state, it tells a powerful story of centuries gone by.

The drone shots here were tricky due to the wind, but I managed to capture some amazing aerial video and drone photosof the ruins. The weather added a sense of drama to the footage, with the wind gusting around the ancient stone walls. Ravensworth Castle might not be well-known, but it’s a hidden gem that speaks volumes about England’s medieval past.

Forcett Hall: A Majestic Abandoned Mansion

Next up was Forcett Hall, a grand old mansion that’s currently undergoing renovations. Built in the 18th century, Forcett Hall is a Grade I listed building that has seen better days but is still an impressive sight. The hall has a long history and has been home to notable families over the centuries. Although it’s not inhabited at the moment, it’s clear from the renovation work that its future is looking bright.

I didn’t find anyone around to ask for permission, so I decided to go ahead and capture the hall from a respectful distance. The drone shots of the building and its grounds were fantastic, giving a bird’s-eye view of the majestic architecture and sprawling estate. The aerial video and drone photos really highlight just how grand this place is!

Forcett Dovecote: A Quick Stop for a Hidden Gem

Lastly, I made a quick stop at the Forcett Dovecote, which is visible from the road running through Forcett. Dovecotes like this were traditionally built to house pigeons or doves, providing a valuable source of meat, eggs, and fertilizer for estates. This particular dovecote likely dates back to the 18th century and is a charming feature of the landscape.

I captured some beautiful aerial video and drone photos of the dovecote, showing off its quaint architecture from above. It’s always fun to stumble upon these small, historical structures, and the drone gives such a unique perspective that you can’t get from the ground.

Wrapping Up the Day

All in all, it was a brilliant day of flying and discovering new places. From the mysterious Deer House near Staindrop to the majestic ruins of Ravensworth Castle and the hidden charm of Forcett Hall, each location had something special to offer. The drone allowed me to capture these places in a way that brings their history and beauty to life. Can’t wait to share the images and videos with you all!