Exploring County Durham’s Industrial Heritage and Scenic Landmarks from Above

With a few free hours and steady conditions, I decided to venture out and capture some unique spots around County Durham that I’ve been meaning to revisit. Although the skies were overcast, the low winds made it perfect for flying. Today’s focus was all about highlighting the structures that shape this region—from old viaducts and active quarries to historic weather stations. Each stop gave a new perspective on familiar sights, framed by the rich colours of autumn.

Belmont Viaduct: Revisiting a Historic Rail Icon

First on my list was Belmont Viaduct, an impressive structure that’s been a part of Durham’s landscape since its completion in 1856. Originally built to carry the Durham to Bishop Auckland railway line across the River Wear, the viaduct fell into disuse when the line closed to passenger traffic in the 1960s. The viaduct’s tall stone arches, combined with its lush surroundings, make it a striking piece of Victorian engineering that now sits quietly amidst the trees.

On a previous visit, wind conditions limited my ability to capture it from above, but today’s calm weather allowed me to send the drone higher, capturing aerial photos and drone video that truly showcase the viaduct’s scale and design. The arches framed by autumn foliage created a picturesque scene, and the drone’s perspective brought out the viaduct’s symmetry against the vibrant landscape, highlighting its historic charm.

High Moorsley Weather Station: A Unique View

Located on High Moorsley hill near Hetton-le-Hole in County Durham, High Moorsley Weather Station is one of the highest weather stations in the area, standing at an elevation of approximately 209 metres (686 feet) above sea level. The station is known for recording local climate and weather conditions in this elevated rural area, often reporting some of the coldest temperatures in the region due to its exposure to the elements and elevation.

The station provides valuable data on wind speeds, temperature, and precipitation, contributing to the Met Office’s understanding of regional weather patterns. Its high position offers unique insights into the weather trends of northeast England, especially during the winter months when temperatures can drop significantly.

Using the drone here provided an ideal way to capture the exposed and isolated setting of the station against the surrounding moorland, highlighting how it stands alone amidst the landscape, fully exposed to the region’s often harsh weather.

Eppleton Colliery Quarry: Capturing Industrial Heritage in a Working Quarry

Moving on, I headed to Eppleton Colliery Quarry, a site that’s still actively used for limestone extraction, though it was closed today. Eppleton Quarry has historical roots, having once been connected to the nearby Eppleton Colliery, which operated until the late 20th century as part of the coal mining industry. Although now focused on stone quarrying, the site retains links to the region’s industrial past.

With no activity in the quarry today, I was able to capture drone photos and aerial video that show the scale of the extraction area. The drone’s perspective allowed for an expansive view of the quarry’s layers, showcasing the rough, rugged terrain and the contrast between the natural landscape and human impact. The aerial shots add a sense of scale, showing the extent of the excavation site against the autumn landscape—a stark reminder of the region’s mining legacy.

Croxdale Viaduct: A Magnificent Railway Bridge Over the River Wear

My final stop was Croxdale Viaduct, an impressive structure that spans the River Wear near Sunderland Bridge. Constructed in 1856 by Thomas Bouch, the same engineer who later designed the ill-fated Tay Bridge in Scotland, Croxdale Viaduct still carries trains today as part of the East Coast Main Line. Its tall stone arches and solid design make it an engineering marvel, combining form and function beautifully.

Previously captured as part of my Sunderland Bridge explorations, I wanted to focus solely on Croxdale Viaduct today. With the drone, I was able to capture aerial photos and drone video that highlight the viaduct’s architectural elegance against the autumn colours along the riverbanks. The perspective from above brought out the span of the arches over the river and the viaduct’s integration into the landscape—a perfect way to celebrate this enduring piece of railway history.

Wrapping Up the Day

Although today wasn’t a day for grand adventures, exploring these local spots was a reminder of the industrial heritage and architectural gems that shape County Durham. Each location offered something unique, and the drone’s perspective allowed me to capture the character of these sites in a new way. Can’t wait to share these captures with you all! Stay tuned for the images and footage from today’s exploration.