Exploring Swaledale's Mining Heritage: A Day of Drone Adventures

After a busy morning in Richmond, I was free to explore in the afternoon, and what better spot than Swaledale in North Yorkshire, a region steeped in mining heritage? The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, and I managed to capture some fascinating sites from above. Here’s a look at today’s adventures:

Grinton Moor Smelt Mill: A Beautiful Industrial Relic

First stop was the Grinton Moor Smelt Mill. Set against the rugged landscape of the moor, this smelt mill is a reminder of Swaledale’s lead mining past. Built in the 19th century, the smelt mill would have processed lead ore from the nearby mines, with chimneys and flues used to vent the fumes from smelting. From above, the site looked stunning, its stone structure blending into the natural surroundings.

I captured some fantastic aerial photos and drone video here, showcasing the beauty of this historic site in the middle of the wild Yorkshire landscape.

Marrick Smelt Mill: An Impressive Industrial Site

Not far away is the Marrick Smelt Mill, another relic of Swaledale’s industrial age. This site is large, with some sections still standing strong while others have slowly decayed. Originally built in the 18th century, the smelt mill processed lead ore brought down from the surrounding hills. The area around the mill is peaceful now, but it would once have been bustling with activity.

I took aerial photos and drone video, capturing the impressive remains of the site. The surrounding landscape really adds to the character of the place, reminding me of how nature is slowly reclaiming this piece of history.

Gallop End Limekilns: A Hidden Gem That Looks Like a Castle

While at Marrick Smelt Mill, I noticed something unusual on the horizon and had to check it out—Gallop End Limekilns. This structure, once used to produce quicklime for farming and building, looks more like a castle than a limekiln with its high walls and rugged charm. Limekilns were an essential part of the rural economy here, turning limestone into quicklime for agriculture.

This find was a highlight of the day, and I managed to get some great aerial photos and drone video showing its impressive structure. Discovering it felt like finding a hidden piece of Swaledale’s past.

Marrick Priory: A Bit of a Letdown

I’ve been wanting to visit Marrick Priory for a while, ever since I spotted it from across the river. Founded in the 12th century as a Benedictine nunnery, the priory has a long history, but it’s now part of an outdoor activity centre. Though its history is intriguing, the site didn’t quite meet my expectations—modern buildings and farm structures detract a bit from the atmosphere.

I grabbed a few aerial photos and drone video, but didn’t linger long. Despite the disappointment, it’s still worth a look for the history alone.

Old Gang Smelting Mill: A Trek Worth Every Step

My last stop of the day was the Old Gang Smelting Mill. A bit of a trek from the road, but absolutely worth it! This vast smelting site dates back to the 18th century and has so much still standing. The Old Gang mill was one of the largest and most productive smelting sites in the area, handling ore from various mines around Swaledale. The scale of the ruins gives you a sense of how crucial the lead mining industry once was here.

I captured some fantastic aerial photos and drone video, capturing the remaining structures and sprawling layout of the site. With so much still intact, it felt like stepping back in time to when this was a bustling industrial hub.

Wrapping Up the Day

Today was an unforgettable exploration of Swaledale’s mining heritage, from smelt mills and limekilns to abbeys and hidden ruins. Each site told a story, and I’m looking forward to sharing the photos and footage with you all. Thanks for joining me on this adventure, and stay tuned for more!