Architectural Icons and Coastal Drama – An Afternoon on the Durham Coast

With a few free hours this afternoon, I decided to make the most of it and head towards the coast. The skies were grey, the air was cold, but conditions were fine for getting the drone up. I focused on two key locations—Crimdon Dene Viaduct and Steetley Pier. The viaduct was as impressive as ever, stretching high over the dene, but the real highlight of the day was Steetley Pier. The rough seas created incredible conditions for long-exposure photography, allowing me to capture the drama of the waves against the decaying structure.

Crimdon Dene Viaduct

Crimdon Dene Viaduct is a prominent railway bridge that spans the deep valley of Crimdon Dene near Hartlepool. Built in the early 20th century as part of the expansion of the Durham Coast Line, it was designed to allow trains to cross the steep ravine while maintaining a stable route along the North Sea coastline. The viaduct is constructed of multiple large brick arches, supporting the railway above the dene while blending into the landscape.

Historically, the viaduct was essential for linking industrial centres across the North East, playing a key role in the transportation of coal and other materials from Durham’s mining regions to the port at Hartlepool. Unlike many structures of its era that were lost during rail cutbacks, Crimdon Dene Viaduct remains fully operational today, carrying regular rail traffic. Its longevity is a testament to the robust Victorian and Edwardian engineering that still serves modern rail infrastructure.

With the viaduct towering over the landscape, it was the perfect location to capture from above. The drone provided an excellent view of the structure’s full span, showing just how dramatically it rises over the valley. The grey skies and misty air softened the background, making the arches stand out even more. The view from above also revealed the railway curving across the dene, a reminder of how the route was carefully designed to navigate the region’s natural obstacles. Though the lighting conditions were challenging, the overcast sky added a moody, atmospheric feel to the images.

Steetley Pier

Steetley Pier is one of Hartlepool’s most striking coastal landmarks, a long, skeletal industrial pier that stretches into the North Sea. Originally built in the 1960s as part of the Steetley Magnesite Works, it was used to pump seawater inland, where magnesium was extracted and processed for use in steel production. The magnesite works was once a major employer in the area, supplying high-grade materials to the UK’s steel industry. When the plant closed in the early 2000s, most of the site was demolished, but the pier remained. Over the years, it has deteriorated, its rusting framework and missing sections creating an eerie yet fascinating structure.

Though no longer in use, the pier has become a well-known feature of the Hartlepool coastline. It attracts photographers, urban explorers, and those drawn to its haunting industrial aesthetic. Its exposed position means it is constantly battered by waves, and every storm takes its toll on the remaining structure. At high tide, the sea crashes against the supports, emphasising how fragile it has become against the power of nature.

spent a long time here, working with both the drone and my phone to capture the location in as many ways as possible. The drone gave a fantastic overhead view, showing the full length of the pier extending into the sea. The aerial perspective also highlighted how the structure has deteriorated over time, with sections missing and the rusting supports standing as a reminder of its industrial past. From above, the contrast between the calm-looking sea and the relentless motion of the waves against the metal was striking.

At ground level, the conditions were perfect for long-exposure photography. The waves were rough, providing dramatic movement to capture. Using my phone, I experimented with different exposure times, smoothing the water to create an ethereal effect. The long exposures transformed the waves into a mist-like surface, making the decaying pier seem even more isolated and ghostly. Different angles revealed varying textures—some shots emphasised the pier’s rusting framework against the softened water, while others focused on the waves rushing in beneath the structure. With the dark clouds rolling overhead, the entire scene had an almost cinematic quality.

The combination of aerial and long-exposure photography really brought out the best of Steetley Pier’s eerie beauty. The rough weather added to the drama, making it a truly rewarding subject to shoot.

Wrapping Up the Day

Though it was a short trip, today’s outing provided fantastic opportunities to capture the industrial and coastal history of Hartlepool. Crimdon Dene Viaduct and Steetley Pier both tell stories of transport, industry, and the changing landscape of the North East. Despite the grey skies, the conditions were perfect for experimenting with different styles of photography, particularly long exposures. I’ll definitely be returning here again, especially to capture Steetley Pier under different weather conditions and at different times of the day.Industrial Relics and Coastal Drama – A Windy Afternoon in Hartlepool