A Love for Viaducts: Exploring the Engineering Marvels of the Northeast

Viaducts have always held a special fascination for me. These towering structures, remnants of an era when railways ruled the transport network, are not only incredible feats of engineering but also stunning subjects for drone and camera photography. Since the weather has forced me indoors today, I’ve taken the opportunity to revisit some of the amazing viaducts I’ve captured across the Northeast. Each one has a unique story and setting, and I never tire of exploring them.

Langley Viaduct, Teesdale

Let’s start with Langley Viaduct, located near Copley in Teesdale, County Durham. Built in 1861, this viaduct once carried the South Durham and Lancashire Union Railway across the River Gaunless. The viaduct is composed of nine stone arches, each standing about 60 feet high, and it stretches over a length of roughly 230 metres. Though the railway was abandoned in the mid-20th century, the viaduct remains a striking structure. Over time, nature has started to reclaim it, and today, the arches stand elegantly against the rural landscape. From the air, Langley Viaduct is a photographer's dream, as its arches blend seamlessly into the scenic backdrop of Teesdale.

Hownsgill Viaduct, Consett

Next up is the Hownsgill Viaduct, located near Consett. This impressive structure was completed in 1858 and originally served the Stanhope and Tyne Railway. Hownsgill Viaduct stands 150 feet above Hownsgill Gorge, with 12 archesstretching across 700 feet. The viaduct is now part of the popular C2C (Coast to Coast) cycle route and is a favourite among walkers and cyclists. The surrounding landscape is beautiful, with rolling hills and the dramatic gorge below. When viewed from above, Hownsgill’s sweeping arches create a striking image that perfectly showcases Victorian engineering at its best.

Newton Cap Viaduct, Bishop Auckland

Newton Cap Viaduct, located in Bishop Auckland, is another incredible piece of engineering. Built in 1857, this viaduct originally carried the railway across the River Wear. The viaduct consists of 11 arches, and its design has allowed it to withstand over a century and a half of use. After its conversion in the 1990s, it now serves as a road bridge, providing vital transport links for the town. The viaduct offers breathtaking views of the River Wear and the surrounding countryside, and when captured by drone, the true scale of its engineering is revealed, with its arches spanning both river and valley.

Crimdon Dene Viaduct, Hartlepool

The Crimdon Dene Viaduct near Hartlepool is a grand structure that was part of the Durham Coast Line. Built in 1905, the viaduct spans 10 arches across the valley of Crimdon Beck. It once connected the bustling industrial areas of Hartlepool and Sunderland, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers along the coast. Today, the viaduct is a feature of Crimdon Dene Nature Reserve, standing tall among the surrounding greenery with views stretching out to the North Sea. The juxtaposition of industrial history and natural beauty makes it a captivating subject for aerial photography.

Hawthorn Dene Viaduct, Seaham

Nestled within Hawthorn Dene Nature Reserve near Seaham is the Hawthorn Dene Viaduct, completed in 1905. This viaduct was part of the Durham Coast Line and was used to transport coal along the coastline. Hawthorn Dene Viaduct has 10 arches, and it rises dramatically above the wooded valley below. The viaduct’s isolation adds to its beauty, as it’s surrounded by trees and wildlife. It’s quite a walk to reach the viaduct, but it’s worth the effort. From the air, the viaduct’s arches appear to disappear into the dense canopy of the surrounding woodland, making it a spectacular subject for drone photography.

Belmont Viaduct, Durham

Belmont Viaduct, located on the outskirts of Durham, is a lesser-known but equally impressive structure. Built in 1856, it once carried the railway line between Durham and Sunderland. The viaduct is composed of 12 arches, and although it has been disused since the 1960s, it remains an iconic landmark. Hidden away in Kepier Woods, Belmont Viaduct has slowly been overtaken by nature, with ivy climbing up its pillars. Its location, shrouded in greenery, makes it feel like a forgotten piece of history. When photographed from the air, the viaduct’s graceful stone arches stand out against the lush backdrop of the woods.

Lune Valley Railway Viaduct, Teesdale

In the heart of Teesdale lies the Lune Valley Railway Viaduct, built in 1861 as part of the South Durham and Lancashire Union Railway. The viaduct crosses the River Lune, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. This viaduct features 11 arches and was once a vital link for transporting coal and goods between the northeast and northwest of England. Though the railway closed in the mid-20th century, the viaduct remains a significant structure, both historically and visually. The drone footage captures its elegance as it stretches across the valley, surrounded by the lush green of the Teesdale hills.

Witton Park Viaduct, Bishop Auckland

The Witton Park Viaduct is located near the village of Witton Park in County Durham and was part of the historic Stockton and Darlington Railway. Built in 1830, this viaduct was one of the first major railway structures of its kind, playing a crucial role in the early days of the railway industry. It spans the River Wear with six stone arches and is a key reminder of the region’s industrial heritage, particularly during the early railway revolution.

Croxdale Viaduct, Durham

Finally, we come to Croxdale Viaduct, located near Sunderland Bridge in County Durham. Built in the 1840s, this viaduct is still in use today as part of the East Coast Main Line, a testament to the enduring strength of its construction. The viaduct plays a key role in connecting the northeast with the rest of the country, and its architecture is an example of early railway engineering at its finest. Surrounded by scenic countryside, the viaduct looks particularly stunning from the air, with the River Wear flowing beneath it.

These viaducts are not just relics of a bygone era but are integral parts of the landscapes they inhabit. Each one tells a story of the past, blending human ingenuity with the natural beauty of the Northeast. Capturing their elegance with both drone and camera has been an incredible experience, and I look forward to discovering more in the future.