Chasing Waterfalls and Winter Light – A Stunning Day in Teesdale

Today was a return to Teesdale, and with it being a bit of a journey, an early start was needed. The effort was well worth it, as the conditions couldn’t have been better—cold, crisp air, clear skies, and barely a breath of wind, making it perfect for flying the drone. From capturing sunrise at an ancient church to photographing waterfalls, quarries, and old mining sites, the day was filled with variety and stunning scenery.

St Brandon’s Church, Brancepeth

On the way to Teesdale, I made a stop at St Brandon’s Church in Brancepeth to capture the sunrise. This historic church dates back to at least the 12th century, though its origins may be even older. It was once one of the grandest parish churches in County Durham, reflecting the wealth and power of the Neville family, who also owned nearby Brancepeth Castle.

Much of the church’s medieval architecture remained intact for centuries, but in 1998, a devastating fire destroyed most of its roof and interior. The damage was extensive, but a major restoration project brought it back to life, blending old and new elements in its design. Today, the church stands as both a piece of history and a symbol of resilience.

As the sun rose, the warm light highlighted the church’s stonework beautifully.

Capturing the moment with my phone, the contrast between the ancient walls and the glowing sky made for some striking images. The peacefulness of the early morning, with mist hanging low in the fields beyond, added to the atmosphere.

Low Force

Low Force is a spectacular set of waterfalls on the River Tees, just downstream from its larger counterpart, High Force. The falls drop over a series of Whin Sill rock formations, a type of hard volcanic rock that has shaped much of the region’s landscape. The river here has long been a draw for walkers, photographers, and nature lovers, with the surrounding woodland adding to the beauty of the setting.

Aerial shots provided a fantastic view of how the Tees flows through the rugged terrain, with the water tumbling in stages over the dark rock. The drone captured the contrast between the movement of the falls and the still pools above and below, showing the sheer power of the river from above. The crisp winter light helped bring out the deep textures of the rock and the swirling currents below.

High Force

High Force is one of England’s most famous waterfalls, with the River Tees plunging 21 metres in a single, dramatic drop. The water cascades over the same Whin Sill rock that forms Low Force, creating an imposing scene, particularly after heavy rainfall when the falls are at their most powerful. The waterfall has been a major landmark for centuries, attracting visitors long before modern tourism, and it remains one of the must-see sights in Teesdale.

Aerial shots here revealed the full scale of High Force, with the falls appearing even more dramatic from above. The movement of the water, crashing into the pool below, created a misty haze that added an extra element to the images. The surrounding cliffs, shaped over millions of years, framed the waterfall perfectly. With the sunlight low in the sky, shadows played across the rock face, making for some moody and striking compositions.

Bleabeck Force

Bleabeck Force is a lesser-known waterfall in Teesdale, hidden away from the more famous falls on the River Tees. It is a beautiful, remote cascade, flowing down the rocky hillside in a dramatic series of steps. While it lacks the sheer drop of High Force, its rugged beauty makes it a fantastic subject for photography.

The challenge with aerial shots here was the position of the sun, which was directly in line with the waterfall. This made it difficult to balance the exposure, with harsh light and deep shadows creating contrast. Adjusting angles and settings, I managed to capture the falls with the surrounding landscape, showing how it sits within the wild moorland. The play of light on the moving water gave the images a dynamic feel, despite the difficulties in getting the perfect shot.

Breedon Middleton Quarry

Breedon Middleton Quarry is an active limestone quarry in Teesdale, part of the long history of quarrying in this area. Limestone extraction has been a key industry here for centuries, with the high-quality stone being used for construction, agriculture, and industry. While many old quarries have been abandoned and reclaimed by nature, Middleton Quarry remains in operation, providing an interesting contrast between past and present.

Aerial views of the quarry highlighted its vast scale, with terraced rock faces cutting into the landscape. The drone captured the patterns created by excavation, the layers of stone revealing the geological history of the area. The site, though industrial in nature, had a stark beauty, particularly with the sunlight casting long shadows across the exposed rock faces.

Summerhill Force

Summerhill Force is a beautiful waterfall near Bowlees, with a hidden secret behind it—Gibson’s Cave. The cave is named after a 16th-century outlaw, William Gibson, who is said to have hidden behind the waterfall to evade capture. The falls themselves are a picturesque cascade, tumbling over a rocky overhang and surrounded by lush woodland.

Since drone use was limited here due to the tree cover, I focused on long exposure shots with my phone. The technique helped to smooth out the water’s movement, creating a soft, misty effect that made the falls look even more magical. The surrounding moss-covered rocks and branches framed the scene beautifully, adding depth to the images.

Coldberry Lead Mine

Coldberry Lead Mine is a stark reminder of Teesdale’s industrial past. Lead mining was once a major industry in the North Pennines, and sites like Coldberry were at the heart of this activity. The mine operated from the 18th century until the early 20th century, leaving behind ruins, spoil heaps, and remnants of the infrastructure that once supported the industry.

Aerial shots of Coldberry Lead Mine captured the desolate beauty of the site. The landscape is still scarred by the mining process, with piles of waste rock creating a rugged, almost lunar appearance. The drone revealed the extent of the workings, showing how the site was carved into the hillside. Despite its industrial past, the mine is now a place of quiet solitude, with nature slowly reclaiming the land.

Wrapping Up the Day

Today was one of those perfect winter days—clear skies, calm winds, and incredible landscapes to capture. From the golden light at sunrise over St Brandon’s Church to the powerful waterfalls of Teesdale and the haunting remains of Coldberry Lead Mine, every stop on the journey offered something different.

It was great to experiment with different techniques, balancing aerial and ground photography to make the most of the conditions. Some locations presented challenges, particularly with harsh lighting, but adapting to those situations is all part of the process.

Which of today’s locations stands out to you the most? Let me know in the comments.

Credit: DJ Aerial Photography

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