A Day Exploring Cockfield Fell and Wolsingham: Industrial Relics and Historical Sites

Although the weather wasn't ideal with breezy conditions and early rain, I made the most of my free afternoon to explore some fascinating historical and industrial sites. I had more of a plan today, starting with Cockfield Fell in the morning and heading to Wolsingham in the afternoon. Here’s a recap of what I captured through drone video, aerial photos, and camera shots across these intriguing locations.

Swin Bridge

Swin Bridge, also known as Haggerleases Bridge, was constructed in 1830 as part of the Haggerleases Branch Railway, an extension of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. The bridge was designed by George Stephenson, one of the most prominent engineers of the time. This unique skew arch bridge allowed the railway to cross the River Gaunless at an acute angle, a feat of engineering that demonstrates Stephenson's innovative approach. The bridge played a vital role in transporting coal from local mines and remains an important piece of industrial heritage in County Durham. Today, I managed to capture drone photos, aerial footage, and camera shots that highlight its impressive design and enduring historical significance.

Gaunless Viaduct

Passing by the remains of the Gaunless Viaduct, I decided to revisit this impressive site to gather more footage. Constructed in 1863 by Thomas Bouch, the viaduct served as a key part of the South Durham and Lancashire Union Railway, connecting the industrial heartlands. Standing at nearly 50 metres tall and stretching over 200 metres, the viaduct was one of the tallest iron lattice bridges of its time. Sadly, it was demolished in 1966 due to the decline of rail transport. Today, only parts of the original piers remain, marking the site of this once monumental structure. I was able to capture more drone photos, camera shots, and aerial footage to better document what remains of the viaduct.

Cockfield Fell Mine Extraction Heaps

Cockfield Fell is known as one of the largest scheduled ancient monuments in England, with a rich history of coal and whinstone mining dating back to medieval times. The extraction heaps that dot the landscape are the remains of centuries of industrial activity, marking the fell as an important site for the Durham mining industry. Although I wasn't completely satisfied with what I captured here last time, I returned to gather more drone video and aerial images. The wind made it challenging, but I still managed to capture the scope of the spoil heaps, which are a powerful reminder of the area’s industrial past.

Cockfield Fell Air Shaft

While exploring Cockfield Fell, I came across an old capped air shaft, a remnant of the underground mines that once operated here. Air shafts were vital for ventilating the mines and ensuring the safety of the workers below. Although small, this particular air shaft is a poignant reminder of the hard lives of the miners who toiled beneath the earth in dangerous conditions. I captured both drone footage and camera shots to document this piece of mining history, adding to the rich story of Cockfield Fell.

Gordon House Colliery

Next on the agenda was Gordon House Colliery, a former coal mine that operated during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Unfortunately, not much remains of the original colliery, making it difficult to identify specific structures. Nonetheless, I captured drone images and video footage of what I believe to be the remnants of this important industrial site. The site’s location near Cockfield Fell highlights the region’s extensive mining operations, which were once the backbone of the local economy.

Wolsingham Train Yard and Gun Barrel Shed (Ironworks Depot)

In the afternoon, I returned to Wolsingham Train Yard, an active part of the Weardale Railway that dates back to the mid-19th century. The Gun Barrel Shed, also known as the Ironworks Depot, has a fascinating history. Initially, it served as part of the railway's operational infrastructure, housing and repairing trains. During World War I, the building was repurposed for munitions production, supplying shells and other war materials. Following the war, it reverted to railway use, eventually becoming a storage facility for the Weardale Railway. I was fortunate enough to explore the exterior of the shed, capturing drone photos, aerial footage, and camera shots of this historically significant building.

Wolsingham Steel Works

Another highlight was my visit to the Wolsingham Steel Works, established in 1864 by Charles Atwood. The steelworks became an important site for the production of industrial castings, including parts for RMS Titanic. At its height, the works employed hundreds of workers and contributed to shipbuilding, munitions, and infrastructure projects around the world. The site closed in 2008, but it has recently been purchased with plans to convert it into a community hub. I captured drone footage, aerial photos, and camera shots that document the current state of the steelworks, preserving its legacy as a cornerstone of Weardale’s industrial heritage.

Wolsingham Bridge

Lastly, I visited Wolsingham Bridge, also known as The Causeway Bridge, which crosses the River Wear. The current bridge was built in 1894 and connects Wolsingham to the southern moorlands. The original bridge was washed away in the Great Flood of 1771, and the present structure has stood the test of time, providing a vital link for local farmers and residents. I managed to capture some wonderful drone video, aerial photos, and camera shots, showcasing the bridge before it undergoes planned maintenance and repair work to ensure its continued use.

Wrapping Up the Day

Today’s exploration was incredibly rewarding, providing a deeper insight into County Durham’s rich industrial history. From the innovative engineering of Swin Bridge to the remnants of Gaunless Viaduct and the mining legacy of Cockfield Fell, each location offered a unique story that I was able to document through aerial photography. The afternoon’s visit to Wolsingham was equally fascinating, with the history of the train yard and steel works adding depth to the area’s industrial past. I’m excited to dive into the editing process and share these captures. If you know of any historical sites that need documenting or are interested in drone photography, feel free to reach out—I’m always looking for the next adventure.