A Coastal Adventure with Drone Photography and History in the Air

This morning, I set off with a full itinerary, aiming to explore the North Yorkshire coast and some fascinating inland sites. Although I didn’t reach all the coastal spots I had in mind, the day was incredibly rewarding. From capturing the beauty of old industrial relics to exploring the stories behind these historical landmarks, I’ve come away with a treasure trove of drone footage and photos. And to top it all off, the weather couldn’t have been better – perfect for drone photography and videography, with clear skies and calm winds.

Eston Nab: A View from the Top

My first stop was Eston Nab, a location steeped in history, dating back thousands of years. The hill itself has been used since the Bronze Age as a significant site for settlements and burials. By the Iron Age, it became a hill fort, and during the Roman period, it was strategically important. In more recent times, during both World Wars, it served as a defensive position and lookout point.

Today, it offers stunning panoramic views over Teesside and the North York Moors, making it ideal for drone photography. From the summit, I captured sweeping aerial shots, with the drone providing an impressive perspective of the vast landscape below. The weather allowed for sharp, high-altitude shots that showcased the natural beauty and historical importance of the site, which has watched over centuries of human activity.

Eston Fan House: Industrial Majesty

After Eston Nab, I ventured to the Eston Fan House, built in the late 19th century to support the ironstone mining industry. Eston ironstone was crucial in fuelling Middlesbrough's rapid industrial growth during the Victorian era. The fan house, constructed around 1872, housed a Guibal fan designed to ventilate the mines, ensuring safe working conditions for the miners. This ventilation technology was state-of-the-art at the time and marked an important development in mining safety.

Despite being surrounded by dense trees, which made drone videography challenging, I managed to capture both camera and drone photos. The fan house stands as a colossal reminder of the industrial might of the region, and although the trees limited aerial video, the still shots really bring out the stark contrast between the built structure and the encroaching nature.

Eston Mine: A Glimpse into the Past

My next stop was Eston Mine, part of the same industrial network as the fan house. The mine, operational from the 1850s, was one of the largest in the region, supplying ironstone to the burgeoning steel industry of Middlesbrough. At its height, the mine employed thousands of workers, contributing to the growth of the area during the industrial revolution.

Now overgrown, the remains of Eston Mine are atmospheric but challenging for drone videography due to the enclosed surroundings. However, I captured some excellent drone photos that reveal the traces of this once-thriving industrial hub. Though much of the mine is hidden by trees and foliage, the drone photography allowed me to document the remaining structures, offering a unique perspective that’s hard to achieve from the ground.

Huntcliff Guibal Fan House: A Coastal Marvel

Heading closer to the coast, I arrived at Huntcliff Guibal Fan House, situated on the cliffs near Saltburn-by-the-Sea. This fan house, built in the late 19th century, was part of the coastal ironstone mining operation and housed a Guibal fan similar to the one at Eston. The dramatic position of the structure, perched on the cliff edge, provided spectacular views of both the sea and the nearby coastline. The juxtaposition of industrial heritage and natural beauty made it an ideal subject for drone photography and videography.

With bright blue skies and the North Sea glistening in the background, this was a dream location for aerial shots. I captured some stunning drone footage, showcasing the fan house’s striking architecture with the rolling waves below. The clear weather also allowed for sharp, vivid drone photos, and I was lucky to catch a freight train passing by, adding a dynamic element to the scene.

Brancepeth Pithead Baths: Local Mining Heritage

After a quick lunch at home, I headed out again, this time to Brancepeth Pithead Baths, built in the early 20th century. The baths were constructed around 1930 as part of a wider initiative to improve conditions for coal miners, offering them a place to clean up after their shifts at Brancepeth Colliery. This was an important development in the mining industry, as it helped improve health and hygiene standards for the workers.

Using the drone, I captured both aerial video and drone photography of the pithead baths. The structure itself is quite open, making it perfect for wide-angle shots from the drone. The aerial footage highlights the scale of the baths and their significance in the area’s mining history, showing how this facility was a lifeline for thousands of local miners.

East Park Farmhouse, Brancepeth: A Hidden Gem

On my way home, I made a stop at East Park Farmhouse, an abandoned 19th-century building nestled near the River Wear. The farmhouse, which has been left to decay, still holds a certain charm. Once a working farm, it’s now an atmospheric ruin with ivy-covered walls and a roof that’s slowly crumbling away. Its isolation and rustic beauty made it an ideal subject for drone photography and videography.

The drone allowed me to capture the full scale of the farmhouse and its surrounding landscape. Aerial shots brought out the structure’s solitude, framed by green fields and the winding river. The aerial video offered a sweeping view of the countryside, adding a peaceful, almost nostalgic element to the footage.

Wrapping Up the Day

Today’s exploration took me to some incredible locations, each with its own unique blend of history and beauty. From the breathtaking coastal views at Huntcliff to the eerie remains of Eston’s industrial past, drone photography and videography proved to be invaluable tools in capturing the essence of these places. The aerial perspective adds depth to the story of each site, revealing details that are often missed at ground level.

There’s still a lot of editing to do, but I can’t wait to share these photos and videos with everyone. Documenting these historical landmarks, some forgotten and others well-known, is a passion of mine, and I hope my work helps bring these places to life for those who might never have the chance to visit them. Stay tuned for more drone adventures!