A Day of Exploration: Uncovering County Durham’s Industrial and Natural Wonders

Today was an exciting mix of discoveries, some frustrations, and lots of historical exploration. Despite a few setbacks, I had a rewarding day diving into the rich industrial and natural heritage of County Durham. With my drone and cameraready, I explored old mines, limekilns, and a forgotten viaduct—capturing some incredible footage along the way.

Here’s a closer look at where I ventured today:

Cockfield Fell Mine Extraction Heaps

My first stop was the historic Cockfield Fell, one of the most important industrial landscapes in the UK. Mining here dates back to 1375, making it one of the earliest recorded coal mining sites in England. Over the centuries, the fell has been mined for both coal and ironstone, and remnants of its industrial past can still be seen in the form of extraction heaps and spoil mounds. Now a Scheduled Ancient Monument, Cockfield Fell is a reminder of the region’s mining heritage. I captured some great drone footage, though light aircraft in the area kept me cautious. I plan to return later in the day next time to better highlight the landscape’s textures and shadows.

Gaunless Viaduct

Situated near the extraction heaps are what remains of the Gaunless Viaduct. Originally built in 1825 as part of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the viaduct was a marvel of early railway engineering. Though much of the viaduct has collapsed over time, one of the original towers still stands tall, and the remnants of a fallen arch can still be seen embedded in the hillside. I captured some great photos and drone footage, highlighting the remains of this once-vital structure that helped connect the coalfields of South Durham to the wider rail network.

Gaunless Lead Mill/Copley Chimney

Located near Copley, the Gaunless Lead Mill and its towering Copley Chimney are significant relics of the lead mining industry that flourished in County Durham during the 18th and 19th centuries. The lead mill processed ore from nearby mines, and the chimney is one of the few remaining structures from this once-vital industry. I managed to capture some striking drone photos and video, showing the chimney standing proudly against the rolling hills.

Black Force Waterfall

My attempt to reach Black Force Waterfall didn’t go as planned. Located in the remote Teesdale area, the waterfall is known for its natural beauty, but my journey to find it turned into a 90-minute hike that ultimately didn’t succeed. I was on the right track, but it’s clear that this location requires better planning, so I’ll save it for another day.

Bishopley Limekilns

A surprise find, the Bishopley Limekilns are well-preserved relics of County Durham’s lime production industry. Built in the 19th century, these kilns were used to produce quicklime for agriculture and construction. Despite the kilns’ remote location, I was able to capture some stunning drone footage of their stone arches and chimneys. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get close enough for detailed camera shots, but the aerial perspective truly highlighted their historical significance and scale.

Harehope Lead Mine

Near the limekilns, the Harehope Lead Mine is another remnant of the region’s industrial past. Lead mining was once a thriving industry in Weardale, but today, the site has mostly fallen into ruin. Dense vegetation made it difficult to capture anything substantial with the drone, but I did manage to get some camera shots of the crumbling walls that remain.

Back to the Editing Desk Today was filled with industrial heritage and beautiful landscapes, perfect for drone photography. Now, it’s time to tackle the footage and bring these historical sites to life. Tomorrow promises more adventure, with a few exciting locations already in mind—stay tuned!