Exploring the Industrial and Rural Relics of Weardale

This afternoon was spent diving into the rich industrial heritage and rural charm of Weardale, exploring locations that showcase the region's past and present. Armed with both the drone and my pocket camera, I captured these sites from above and on the ground, adding a new layer of storytelling with Rural Exploring (RurEx). From the decaying elegance of abandoned houses to the towering chimneys of lead mines, today was all about rediscovering the remnants of history that still stand tall amidst nature. Here's what I explored:

Presser Pumping Station: Revisiting a Weardale Icon

Located in the heart of Weardale, the Presser Pumping Station stands as a reminder of the area's industrial heritage. Pumping stations like this were critical for supporting the region’s mining industry, helping manage water flow in an era when lead mining was a dominant industry in the North Pennines.

With the pocket camera, I captured the station’s weathered stone walls, rusting machinery, and surrounding greenery. The drone photos and aerial video provided an expansive view of the station and its place within the valley. The contrast between its industrial purpose and the natural landscape created a striking juxtaposition, highlighting its resilience over time.

Rowantree House: A Hauntingly Beautiful Relic

Just a short distance from Presser Pumps lies Rowantree House, an abandoned and decaying building filled with history and character. Time has taken its toll, but the house still stands, offering a glimpse into rural life from a bygone era. Exploring inside revealed weathered beams, crumbling plaster, and remnants of its former purpose.

The drone footage offered a bird’s-eye view of the structure, showing how it sits isolated in the landscape. The aerial photos captured the house’s weathered roof and exposed interiors, while the ground-level exploration added an intimate connection to its past.

Abandoned House North of Presser Pumps: Half Standing, Full of Charm

Further north, another abandoned house beckoned exploration. Though missing half its roof and succumbing to the elements, it still retained a haunting charm. The house is a testament to the endurance of rural architecture, even in its decayed state.

With the pocket camera, I documented the intricate details of the exposed interiors and weathered stone walls. The drone video provided a broader context, showing the house’s surroundings and how it fits within the rolling landscape of Weardale. The combination of aerial and ground perspectives brought the building’s story to life.

Sikehead Leadmine Chimney: A Towering Testament to Industry

The Sikehead Leadmine Chimney is a striking remnant of Weardale’s mining history, towering over the landscape as a reminder of the once-thriving lead industry in the area. These chimneys were built to vent toxic gases away from smelting sites, protecting workers and nearby communities.

Exploring this location with the pocket camera revealed intricate stonework and evidence of its functional past. The drone footage captured its height and prominence in the rugged terrain, emphasizing its role as a beacon of industrial heritage. Unfortunately, fading daylight limited my time here, but it’s definitely a spot to revisit for a deeper exploration.

Sikehead Smelt Mill Chimney: A Race Against Time

Nearby, the Sikehead Smelt Mill Chimney offered another glimpse into Weardale’s industrial past. As daylight dwindled, I managed to capture some fantastic shots before the fading light made further exploration unsafe. These chimneys, like the leadmine chimney, are vital markers of the region’s smelting operations, where lead was processed and refined.

Using the drone, I captured the chimney against the dusky skyline, with aerial photos highlighting its imposing structure amidst the encroaching darkness. Ground-level exploration with the pocket camera provided a closer look at its craftsmanship, revealing its enduring presence in the landscape.

Wrapping Up the Day

Today was a perfect blend of historical discovery and creative exploration. By combining drone photography with ground-level Rural Exploring, I’ve captured these incredible locations in ways that tell their stories from every angle. Whether it’s the resilience of industrial relics or the quiet decay of rural homes, each site had something unique to offer. Can’t wait to share these with you all—stay tuned for the images and footage!