An Afternoon in Bollihope Burn – Exploring Lime Kilns and Forgotten Farmhouses

With a few hours free this afternoon and the weather just about manageable, I took the chance to head out with the drone. The wind was a little stronger than ideal, but with careful flying, I was able to capture some great shots. The focus of today’s trip was a mix of industrial history and rural heritage, with the Fine Burn Quarry Lime Kilns providing a glimpse into Weardale’s past industry, while Pye Close Farmhouse and Fine House Farmhouse told a story of changing agricultural life.

Fine Burn Quarry Lime Kilns

Fine Burn Quarry was once an important part of Weardale’s lime industry, supplying quicklime for agriculture, construction, and industry. Lime kilns like the ones found here were essential for producing quicklime by burning limestone at high temperatures, a process that was widely used from the 18th to early 20th centuries. The lime produced was used to improve soil fertility and in mortar for construction. The specific lime kilns here are thought to have been in use during the 19th century, forming part of a wider network of quarries and kilns across the North Pennines.

The remains of the kilns still stand, constructed from local sandstone with distinctive brickwork and iron fixtures. Some sections are partially collapsed, but the key features of the kilns are still clearly visible. Unlike some of the larger industrial lime kilns in the region, these appear to have been smaller-scale operations, likely serving the surrounding farms rather than large commercial industries.

Capturing this location from above helped to highlight the scale of the quarry and how the kilns were positioned within the landscape. The drone footage showed the remains of the processing area, with spoil heaps and stone structures standing out against the rolling hills. The low winter light created strong shadows, adding depth to the images and giving a sense of the structure’s former presence. On foot, the texture of the weathered stonework and the contrast between the old industrial remains and the surrounding countryside made for some atmospheric shots.

Pye Close Farmhouse

Pye Close Farmhouse is a rare example of an old Weardale farmstead that remains in relatively good condition. Unlike many of the completely ruined farmhouses in the area, this one still stands with a solid roof and well-preserved walls, though signs of wear and age are visible. It likely dates back to the 18th or 19th century, a time when upland farming was more widespread, with families living in these isolated spots to tend to livestock and crops.

The drone captured the farmhouse sitting alone in the landscape, with fields stretching out in every direction. The traditional dry-stone walls around the property mark the boundaries of the old farm, giving a sense of how the land was once managed. The aerial shots also showed the nearby outbuildings, some of which have partially collapsed, adding to the feel of a once-thriving farm that has seen better days. Ground-level photography helped bring out the details of the building’s structure, from the stonework to the old gateposts leading up to it. The late afternoon light gave the farmhouse a warm glow, making it stand out against the colder tones of the surrounding landscape.

Fine House Farmhouse Ruins

Fine House Farmhouse tells a different story. Now in ruins, the farmhouse still has its outer walls intact, but the windows and doors have been bricked up, and the roof is long gone. This suggests that the building was deliberately sealed off at some point, possibly as part of an effort to prevent further damage or discourage trespassers. The farm would have once been a busy home and workplace, but now it stands as a silent reminder of Weardale’s past.

The drone provided a full overview of the site, showing how the main farmhouse sits within its old enclosures. The contrast between the solid stone walls and the open, roofless interior made for some striking images, with the lack of a roof revealing the full extent of its abandonment. The surrounding land is still used for grazing, but the farmhouse itself stands alone, its story left to history. Walking around the ruins gave a closer look at the bricked-up openings, showing how the structure is still holding up despite its derelict state. The fading light added to the mood, reinforcing the sense of isolation and the passage of time.

Wrapping Up the Day

Despite the wind making flying a little challenging, today’s visit to Bollihope Burn was well worth the effort. The lime kilns at Fine Burn Quarry provided a fascinating look at the area’s industrial history, while Pye Close Farmhouse and Fine House Farmhouse gave two very different perspectives on Weardale’s agricultural past—one still standing strong, the other slowly fading away. Capturing these sites both from the air and on foot gave a real appreciation for how they fit into the landscape, and it was another rewarding afternoon of exploration.