Exploring Weardale’s Hidden Gems: A Journey Through Forgotten Places

Today was perfect weather for exploring and flying the drone—low winds, clear blue skies, and ideal conditions to capture Weardale from above. And when the weather is this good, there’s only one place to go—back to the hills, valleys, and forgotten places of Weardale. While today didn’t include any of the big, well-known landmarks, what it lacked in famous sites, it more than made up for in sheer variety and fascinating discoveries.

The morning began at Stonedrass Well near Burnhope Reservoir, a curious and little-known spot with its own story to tell. From there, I ventured into Ireshope Burn, exploring the traces of Weardale’s industrial past, discovering ruins, relics, and features shaped by the people who once lived and worked in these valleys. Today was all about uncovering the smaller, hidden places—ones that might not make the headlines but are just as rich in history and character.

Cleugh House

In the scenic landscape near Stonedrass Well and Burnhope Reservoir, is a testament to the region's rich history. This traditional stone-built farmhouse, dating back to the 18th century, once served as a home for local farming families. Its robust architecture reflects the practical design of rural homes from that era, built to withstand the harsh Pennine weather. Over the years, Cleugh House has stood as a silent witness to the evolving agricultural practices and rural life in County Durham.​

From an aerial perspective, Cleugh House presents a captivating sight. The drone footage reveals the property's traditional stone walls and classic farmhouse layout, surrounded by lush green fields and the gentle undulations of the Pennine landscape. The contrast between the enduring stone structures and the vibrant natural surroundings offers a poignant visual narrative of the area's history and the passage of time. Capturing Cleugh House from above not only highlights its architectural charm but also situates it within the broader tapestry of Weardale's rural heritage.

Lime Kiln at Burnhope Plantation

The Lime Kiln at Burnhope Plantation, situated near Stonedrass Well and Burnhope Reservoir, is a testament to the region's industrial heritage. Constructed in the 19th century, this kiln was integral to producing quicklime by heating limestone—a process essential for agriculture, construction, and various industrial applications. The presence of such kilns highlights the historical significance of lime production in County Durham, reflecting the area's contribution to broader economic activities during that era.​

Capturing the Lime Kiln at Burnhope Plantation from an aerial perspective offers a unique insight into its structural design and surrounding landscape. The drone footage reveals the kiln's cylindrical form nestled amidst dense woodlands, illustrating the harmonious blend of industrial architecture and natural environment. The interplay of light and shadow over the kiln's stonework, set against the verdant backdrop of Burnhope Plantation, provides a striking visual narrative of the region's historical interplay between industry and nature.

Burnhope Scars Quarry

Located near Burnhope Reservoir, is a testament to the region's rich industrial heritage. Historically, this quarry was a significant site for limestone extraction, supplying essential materials for various construction and agricultural purposes. The limestone harvested here played a crucial role in building local infrastructure and was also used in processes such as soil improvement for farming. The quarry's operation not only provided employment opportunities for the local community but also contributed to the economic development of the surrounding areas. However, with the advent of modern mining techniques and the discovery of more accessible resources, operations at Burnhope Scars Quarry eventually ceased, leaving behind a landscape marked by its industrious past.​

From an aerial perspective, Burnhope Scars Quarry presents a striking visual narrative of nature reclaiming industrial spaces. The once-active quarry now appears as a series of terraced escarpments, with the sharp lines of extracted rock faces contrasting against the softening touch of encroaching vegetation. Drone footage captures the intricate patterns formed by the quarrying process, revealing the sheer scale of human intervention in the landscape. The play of light and shadow across the quarry's facets, especially during sunrise or sunset, highlights the textural complexity of the exposed stone surfaces. Surrounding the quarry, the lush greenery stands in stark contrast to the grey tones of the limestone, illustrating the resilience of nature and its ability to adapt and flourish amidst remnants of industrial activity. These aerial views not only document the current state of Burnhope Scars Quarry but also serve as a poignant reminder of the region's industrial legacy and the ever-evolving relationship between human industry and the natural environment.

Burnhope Reservoir from the West

Burnhope Reservoir, has been a significant water source and landmark since its construction in 1937. Designed to supply water to the Wear Valley and surrounding areas, the reservoir was created by damming the Burnhope Burn, flooding what was once a valley of small farms and grazing land. The reservoir played an essential role in supporting the growth of local communities while also serving as a vital water management system for the region. Over the years, Burnhope has not only been a practical resource but has also become a popular spot for walkers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers, offering a stunning expanse of water surrounded by rolling moorland.

Capturing Burnhope Reservoir from the west, looking east, provided an entirely new perspective on this vast waterbody. Unlike the views from yesterday’s shoot at the opposite end, today’s aerial images showcased the full extent of the reservoir stretching into the distance, with the rugged fells rising beyond it. The light shimmered off the surface, creating a dynamic play of reflections and ripples, while the contrasting tones of land and water added depth to the images. From above, the reservoir’s curved edges and hidden inlets became more pronounced, revealing details often overlooked from ground level. Seeing both ends of the reservoir on consecutive days really emphasised its scale and significance, reinforcing how much this landscape has changed over time yet still retains its natural beauty.

Bents Head and Bents Foot Abandoned Houses

Bents Head and Bents Foot are two abandoned farmhouses located in the scenic area near Stonedrass Well and Burnhope Reservoir in County Durham. These structures are remnants of the region's agricultural past, reflecting a time when small-scale farming was the backbone of rural communities. Built in the traditional stone style characteristic of the area, these farmhouses once served as homes and workplaces for farming families who cultivated the surrounding lands and tended to livestock. Over time, changes in agricultural practices, economic shifts, and rural depopulation led to the abandonment of such properties, leaving behind these evocative structures that stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era.​

From an aerial perspective, the isolation of Bents Head and Bents Foot becomes strikingly apparent. The drone footage captures the stark beauty of these abandoned farmhouses set against the vast expanse of the Durham countryside. The roofs have partially collapsed, and nature has begun to reclaim the stone walls, with vegetation creeping over and into the structures. The surrounding fields, once meticulously maintained for agriculture, now lie fallow, adding to the sense of desolation. The play of light and shadow across the ruins during different times of the day offers a poignant visual narrative of decay and the relentless passage of time. These images serve as a powerful reminder of the region's agricultural heritage and the ever-changing dynamics of rural life.​

Black Cleugh Abandoned Farm Houses

Black Cleugh Farmhouse and its adjoining outbuilding, located near Stonedrass Well and Burnhope Reservoir in County Durham, stand as enduring symbols of the region's agricultural heritage. Constructed in the late 17th to early 18th century, these structures are notable for their coursed squared sandstone with quoins and ashlar dressings, topped with stone-flagged roofs. The farmhouse features a distinctive two- and three-storey, six-bay design, with recessed chamfered window surrounds and a right-end chimney. The outbuilding, attached to the left, showcases traditional architectural elements such as a Dutch door, fixed-light windows with glazing bars, and ventilation slits above. Despite their current derelict state, these buildings have been recognized for their historical and architectural significance and are listed as Grade II structures under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. ​

From an aerial perspective, Black Cleugh Farmhouse presents a poignant tableau of rural abandonment amidst the expansive Durham landscape. The drone footage captures the weathered stone walls and partially collapsed roofs, now intertwined with encroaching vegetation, illustrating nature's reclamation over time. The surrounding fields, once meticulously cultivated, now lie fallow, bordered by remnants of dry stone walls that trace the contours of the terrain. The juxtaposition of the enduring architectural forms against the encroaching wilderness offers a visual narrative of the passage of time and the evolving relationship between human habitation and the natural environment. These images not only document the physical state of the farmhouse but also evoke reflections on the lives once lived within its walls and the broader socio-economic shifts that led to its abandonment.

The Hole on Ireshope Burn

Along the banks of the Ireshope Burn in County Durham lies a location intriguingly named "The Hole." This area is characterized by the remnants of at least three small houses, their ruins scattered on both sides of the burn. These structures, now succumbing to the passage of time, stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era, offering a tangible connection to the region's rich history. The exact origins and stories of these dwellings remain somewhat obscure, adding an air of mystery to the site. Notably, historical accounts indicate that between 1898 and 1906, a family resided here, with the father working as a lead miner at the nearby Barbary mine and also engaging in sheep farming. This dual livelihood underscores the industrious spirit of the inhabitants and highlights the intertwined nature of mining and agriculture in the area's past.​

From an aerial vantage point, "The Hole" presents a captivating tableau of nature reclaiming human habitation. The ruins, though diminished, outline the footprints of the former homes, their stone foundations contrasting with the verdant landscape. The Ireshope Burn meanders gracefully through the site, its waters reflecting the surrounding greenery and the remnants of the stone structures. The juxtaposition of the enduring natural elements with the decaying man-made structures creates a poignant visual narrative of resilience and impermanence. Capturing this scene from above not only provides a unique perspective on the spatial arrangement of the ruins but also evokes reflections on the lives once lived here, the challenges faced, and the passage of time that has transformed this once-thriving homestead into a historical relic.

Groove Heads Mine & Opencut

​Groove Heads Mine and Opencut are notable features in the Ireshopeburn area of Weardale, County Durham, reflecting the region's rich lead mining heritage. The mine exploited the Groove Heads Vein, a mineral-rich geological formation typical of the North Pennine Orefield. Mining activities here date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, a period when Weardale was a hub for lead extraction. The opencut method, evident at Groove Heads, involved removing surface layers to access ore-bearing veins, resulting in visible scars on the landscape that have since become historical landmarks.​

Aerial imagery of the Groove Heads Mine and its opencut reveals the enduring impact of historical mining on the terrain.The opencut appears as a pronounced trench, cutting through the hillside and exposing the geological strata. Surrounding spoil heaps, now softened by vegetation, indicate the scale of material extracted during the mine's operational years. The juxtaposition of these industrial remnants against the natural beauty of the Ireshope Burn valley offers a compelling visual narrative of the area's industrial past and its subsequent reclamation by nature.

Waterfall on Ireshope Burn

Nestled within the serene landscapes of Ireshopeburn, the Ireshope Burn Waterfall stands as a hidden gem, offering visitors a tranquil retreat into nature's embrace. This picturesque waterfall, cascading gracefully over moss-covered rocks, is enveloped by lush woodlands that echo with the soothing sounds of flowing water and native birdlife. The area surrounding the waterfall is rich in biodiversity, providing a habitat for various plant species and serving as a peaceful haven for nature enthusiasts seeking respite from the bustle of daily life.​

Approaching the Ireshope Burn Waterfall, one is greeted by the gentle murmur of the stream, which gradually crescendos into the melodic rush of the falls. The clear waters, tumbling over time-worn stones, create inviting pools at the base, reflecting the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy above. The ambiance is both calming and invigorating, making it an ideal spot for contemplative walks, photography, or simply immersing oneself in the natural beauty of the North Pennines. Whether visited during the vibrant bloom of spring or the crisp air of autumn, the Ireshope Burn Waterfall offers a timeless escape into nature's splendor.

Wham Pasture Dam

Wham Pasture Dam, is a testament to the region's historical land use and water management practices. Constructed to support local agricultural activities, the dam was designed to create a reservoir that supplied water for livestock and irrigation. This infrastructure reflects the ingenuity of past farming communities in harnessing natural water sources to sustain their livelihoods in the often challenging upland environment of the North Pennines.​

From an aerial perspective, Wham Pasture Dam presents a captivating sight. The reservoir's calm waters form a striking contrast against the surrounding rolling hills and patchwork of green pastures. The drone footage captures the dam's integration into the landscape, with its earthen embankments blending seamlessly into the terrain. The interplay of light and shadow across the water's surface, especially during sunrise or sunset, adds a dynamic quality to the imagery, highlighting the tranquil beauty of this rural setting. These aerial views not only showcase the dam's structural features but also emphasise its role in shaping the agricultural landscape of Weardale.

Crawlcoal Quarry

Crawlcoal Quarry is a historical site reflecting the region's rich industrial heritage. Situated in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the quarry was primarily used for extracting limestone, a vital resource for various industrial processes, including agriculture and construction. The quarry's proximity to other historical sites, such as Lodgesike Level and Noon Hill, underscores its significance within the local mining landscape.

From an aerial perspective, Crawlcoal Quarry presents a striking image of industrial activity amidst the natural beauty of the North Pennines. The quarry's contours and excavated areas are clearly visible, contrasting with the surrounding moorlands and valleys. Capturing the site from above highlights the scale of the quarrying operations and offers insights into the historical methods of limestone extraction. The juxtaposition of the quarry against the backdrop of rolling hills and natural landscapes provides a poignant reminder of the region's industrial past and its integration with the natural environment.

Wrapping Up the Day

Today’s exploration of Weardale was all about uncovering hidden history and lesser-known locations, proving once again that this landscape is full of surprises. From abandoned farmsteads and lost mining sites to forgotten quarries, remote waterfalls, and historic dams, every stop told a story of industry, resilience, and the passage of time.

The perfect weather made all the difference, with low winds and clear blue skies allowing for incredible aerial captures of the landscape. The day started at Stonedrass Well, with visits to Cleugh House, the Burnhope Lime Kiln, and the rugged scars of Burnhope Quarry, before moving on to Ireshope Burn, where I found ruined homes, disused mines, and striking waterfalls. From above, the contrast between abandoned human structures and the wild, untouched nature reclaiming them was more striking than ever.

The ability to see and capture these places from the air adds a whole new perspective—tracing the outlines of old quarries, following the course of long-forgotten railways, and revealing how the land still bears the marks of its industrial past. Weardale is a landscape of change, where history meets the present in every valley, every ruin, and every winding burn.

Even after all these visits, there’s always more to find—and today proved once again that the best discoveries are often in the places no one thinks to look.