An Epic Day of Drone Exploration: Diving into Teesdale's Industrial and Natural History

Today was one of those days that reminds you why you love exploring with a drone! The weather was perfect, and Teesdale didn’t disappoint. From industrial ruins to beautiful landscapes, each location I visited was steeped in history, and I captured some amazing footage along the way. Here's the full breakdown of my adventure, along with the fascinating history behind each stop.

Hudeshope Limekilns: Hidden Industrial Relics

My first stop was the Hudeshope Limekilns, located near Middleton-in-Teesdale. These limekilns date back to the 19th century, when lime production was a booming industry in Teesdale. Lime was essential for agriculture and building, and these kilns were used to burn limestone into quicklime, a key material for fertilising fields and making mortar. The lime would have been extracted from nearby quarries, and Hudeshope Beck would have provided a convenient water source for transporting the lime.

The kilns are tucked away in the woods, and while tree cover made capturing the site tricky, I managed to get some stunning aerial video and drone photos. The structure is slowly being reclaimed by nature, but it still stands as a reminder of Teesdale’s industrial past.

High Skears Lead Mine: A Glimpse into Teesdale’s Mining Heritage

Teesdale was once a hub for lead mining, and the High Skears Lead Mine is one of the many remnants of that industry. Lead mining in the region peaked in the 19th century, with mines like High Skears playing a vital role in the local economy. The lead extracted here was transported across the country for use in everything from roofing to piping.

While much of the mine has disappeared, spoil heaps and a few structures remain, giving a glimpse into the harsh conditions miners would have faced. The spoil heaps, visible from the drone’s vantage point, are a striking reminder of the tons of earth that had to be moved to extract the valuable lead beneath. I captured some fantastic drone photos and aerial video of this rugged landscape, highlighting the mine’s impact on the surrounding environment.

High Skears Lead Mine House: A Solitary Survivor

Near the lead mine lies the High Skears Lead Mine House, likely built to house workers or supervisors from the nearby mine. This stone house, though now a ruin, stands by Hudeshope Beck, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who lived and worked here in the 19th century. It would have been a remote and tough place to live, but the beauty of the surrounding landscape must have made it bearable.

I captured aerial photos and drone video of the house, showing how it blends into the rugged landscape. Its solitude is striking from above, with the beck flowing nearby and the hills rising around it. This little piece of history is slowly being reclaimed by nature, but the drone footage brings its story back to life.

Coldberry Lead Mine: An Industrial Powerhouse

Next, I headed to the Coldberry Lead Mine, one of the most important lead mines in Teesdale. Mining began here in the early 19th century, and Coldberry became a significant player in the region’s lead production. The site still contains buildings, shafts, and spoil heaps, giving a clear picture of what life might have been like during the height of the mining industry.

The drone photos and aerial video captured the spread of the mine, with its remaining structures standing defiantly against the landscape. The spoil heaps, in particular, show the scale of the operation that took place here, with tons of earth moved to extract the precious lead.

Coldberry Lead Mine Cottage: A Forgotten Home in the Hills

Close to the mine, I discovered an old cottage, likely used by workers or overseers from the lead mine. The cottage is now a ruin, but it must have provided shelter for those working at the nearby Coldberry Mine. Life here would have been harsh, but the views of Teesdale’s hills and valleys from the cottage are stunning.

I captured some lovely aerial photos and drone video of the cottage, showing its isolated location. The drone footage really highlights how remote this area is, making you appreciate the tough lives that miners and their families would have lived in this harsh but beautiful landscape.

Low Force Waterfall: A Natural Spectacle

After visiting the industrial sites, I moved on to Low Force Waterfall, one of Teesdale’s natural wonders. This waterfall on the River Tees drops over a series of rock ledges, creating a stunning natural feature that draws visitors year-round. The river was in full flow after the recent rain, making the waterfall even more dramatic.

The aerial video and drone photos show the waterfall in all its glory, framed by the surrounding countryside. The drone allowed me to capture the full scope of the river as it crashes over the rocks, creating a beautiful contrast between the fast-flowing water and the peaceful landscape around it.

Tindale Towers: A Modern Architectural Marvel

After lunch, I headed back toward home and stopped at Tindale Towers, a striking Art Deco-style mansion near Bishop Auckland. Built in the early 2000s, Tindale Towers is a four-storey mansion that stands out for its unique design, but its location—right next to an industrial estate and a rubbish tip—adds an unexpected twist. The house has been on the market for years, currently listed for £1.4 million, but its unusual surroundings have made it difficult to sell.

I captured some fantastic aerial video and drone photos of the mansion, showing its bold architecture from above. The contrast between the mansion and its industrial surroundings is fascinating, and the drone shots really highlight the quirkiness of this unique property.

Shildon Train Soho Shed & Goods Shed: A Hub of Railway Innovation

Shildon is known as the birthplace of the modern railway, and the Soho Shed played a vital role in this history. Built in the 19th century, the shed was part of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the world’s first public railway to use steam locomotives. Shildon was at the heart of this industrial revolution, and the Soho Shed housed locomotives and rolling stock used on the line.

I captured aerial photos and drone video of the Soho Shed, showing its connection to the wider railway network that once crisscrossed the region. The drone footage highlights the historical importance of this building in the development of the railway age.

Next, I moved to the Goods Shed, another key part of Shildon’s railway infrastructure. This building was used for loading and unloading goods transported by rail, making it an essential part of the town’s economy during the 19th century. The Stockton and Darlington Railway carried everything from coal to textiles, and the Goods Shed was a hub of activity during its heyday.

The drone photos and aerial video capture the size and scale of the Goods Shed, giving a sense of how important it was to the railway network that connected Shildon to the rest of the world.

Shildon Coal Drops: Fueling the Industrial Revolution

Lastly, I visited the Shildon Coal Drops, a structure used for loading coal into trains during the 19th century. Coal was the lifeblood of the industrial revolution, and Shildon played a key role in transporting it to factories and cities across the country. The Coal Drops allowed for quick and efficient loading, making Shildon an important hub for coal transport.

The aerial photos and drone video of the Coal Drops show this historical structure from above, providing a new perspective on how integral coal was to the development of the railways and the industrial revolution.

Shildon From Above: Views of the sun going down

While the drone was in the air, I took the opportunity to capture an aerial shot of fdfd Shildon with the sun getting low in the sky.

Whitworth Hall at Sunset: A Picturesque Ending

To wrap up the day, I visited Whitworth Hall, a beautiful Grade II listed country house near Spennymoor. Built in the 18th century, Whitworth Hall was once the home of the Shafto family and is now a hotel and wedding venue. As the sun set behind the house, I captured some stunning aerial video and drone photos of the hall, with the golden light of the sunset creating the perfect backdrop.

Wrapping Up the Day

Today was an incredible day of exploration, filled with historical sites and natural beauty. From the industrial heritage of the lead mines and railways to the stunning landscapes of Teesdale, each location had its own unique story to tell. I’m excited to start editing the footage and sharing it with you all—stay tuned for more!