A Day in Weardale: From Abandoned Buildings to Ski Slopes and Forgotten Mines

After an amazing day yesterday, I knew it would be hard to beat, but today had its own charm, with a mix of everything and a few unexpected finds along the way. Weardale delivered a day full of exploration, from rural ruins to caves and even a ski centre! Here’s a rundown of my drone adventures:

Abandoned Rural Building North of Frosterley: A Piece of Forgotten History

I had been wanting to explore the area around the Weardale radio and television relay for a while, and today I found a gem—a decaying old building in the middle of a field, showing the signs of decades, if not centuries, of abandonment. This rural structure is a perfect example of how Weardale’s agricultural past has left behind scattered relics, slowly being reclaimed by nature.

I captured some great aerial photos and drone video, showcasing the building’s weathered stonework and the surrounding fields. There’s something eerie but fascinating about these kinds of places, where you can almost feel the history seeping from the walls.

Lynkirk Caves: A Scenic Walk with Hidden History

I spotted Lynkirk Caves on a map and couldn’t resist investigating. The walk up to the caves was beautiful, with little waterfalls and the peaceful trickle of water accompanying me along the way. These caves are a natural formation, adding to the region’s rugged landscape, but there isn’t much documented history around them, which adds to their mystery.

Sadly, it wasn’t suitable for drone flying due to the enclosed space, so I grabbed a few phone photos to capture the beauty of the area. While I didn’t get the full exploration I wanted, the caves are a spot worth revisiting with the right gear.

Lynkirk Abandoned Farmhouse: A Forgotten Rural Relic

As I was walking to the caves, I came across another hidden gem—an abandoned farmhouse not far from Lynkirk. The weathered stone building is another example of rural life slowly being overtaken by time. Abandoned buildings like this tell silent stories of the lives that once filled them, and capturing their remains from above adds a new dimension.

The aerial shots and drone video highlighted the isolation and quiet beauty of this forgotten place, and I couldn’t resist stopping to take a closer look.

Weardale Ski Centre: A Unique Find in the Durham Alps

Who would have thought there’s a ski centre in the Durham Dales? I’ve been wanting to visit the Weardale Ski Centrefor a while, and today I made the hike up to the chalet. It’s a fascinating place, offering locals the chance to ski when the snow falls. Operating since the 1960s, the centre is located in the Durham Alps, as the locals affectionately call them. It’s a unique spot, run by volunteers, and though small, it’s one of England’s highest ski resorts.

I captured some fantastic aerial photos and drone video of the centre, which, though out of season, still offers a great view of the surrounding countryside. It’s definitely one of the most unique places I’ve captured recently!

West Rigg Opencut: A Random Gem

While driving between locations, I stumbled upon West Rigg Opencut, an old quarry that I had to stop and explore, even though I didn’t have much time. West Rigg is a remnant of Weardale’s mining history, and the opencut method was used to extract iron ore from the hillside. Mining has shaped much of Weardale’s landscape, and West Rigg is a striking example of this legacy.

I managed to grab some great photos and drone video of the quarry and the nearby spoil heaps, as well as a nearby abandoned house that adds to the area’s sense of forgotten industry.

Grove Rake Mine: A Slice of Weardale’s Mining Heritage

I ended the day at Grove Rake Mine, a place I’ve wanted to revisit for a while. Grove Rake was one of the last working lead mines in the North Pennines, finally closing in 1999, marking the end of centuries of mining in the region. The mine was once a major player in the extraction of lead, fluorspar, and barytes, and its remaining buildings stand as a monument to Weardale’s industrial past.

Although I missed the sunset behind the hills, the sky was still incredible, with some amazing colours reflecting off the old mine buildings. I spent quite a bit of time exploring the area, capturing detailed drone footage and aerial shots of the various buildings and the landscape. Even in its decayed state, Grove Rake still holds a certain charm, a final echo of Weardale’s once-thriving mining industry.

Wrapping Up the Day

Today was another fantastic day with the drone, filled with a bit of everything—decaying buildings, forgotten mines, and even a ski centre! Each location had its own story to tell, and I’m excited to start editing and sharing the footage. Stay tuned for more adventures!