From Cumbria to Whitworth: A Day of Exploring History & Heritage

The weather today started bitterly cold, but with clear skies offering the promise of a good day ahead. What followed was an incredible journey, taking me well outside of my usual area in the morning as I headed west into Cumbria, before returning to County Durham to capture some historic sites in Whitworth near Spennymoor.

The contrast between the rural landscapes of Cumbria and the architectural heritage of Whitworth made for a fascinating mix of locations. With the late afternoon spring sunshine casting long shadows over the ruins and buildings, the textures and details of these historic places were brought to life.

Whitesike Lead Mine

Whitesike Lead Mine is a forgotten relic of Cumbria’s lead mining past, hidden in the rugged landscape of the North Pennines. This mine was part of a wider network of lead mining operations that thrived during the 18th and 19th centuries, extracting valuable ore from the mineral-rich veins that run through this region. The mine would have once been a hive of activity, with workers toiling underground, processing ore in surface buildings, and transporting lead to nearby smelt mills. As the lead industry collapsed in the early 20th century, Whitesike, like many other mines, was abandoned, leaving only ruins and scattered remnants of its industrial past. Today, the site consists of crumbling stone structures, abandoned shafts, and spoil heaps, slowly being reclaimed by the surrounding moorland.

From above, Whitesike Lead Mine stands out as a stark contrast against the open landscape, with its weathered stone ruins and the scars of industry still etched into the land. The old mine workings, now partially collapsed, create a rugged, textured composition, with heather and grass creeping over the remains. The late winter light cast long shadows across the site, emphasising the rough terrain and the isolation of the location. The aerial perspective also revealed the extent of the spoil heaps, a reminder of the sheer volume of rock that was excavated in search of lead. Despite its abandonment, Whitesike still tells the story of the industry that once dominated these hills, making it a fascinating site to explore and capture.

Bentyfield Lead Mine

Bentyfield Lead Mine is a historic mining site located within the remote fells of Cumbria, once a key part of the North Pennines’ thriving lead mining industry. The mine operated primarily in the 18th and 19th centuries, extracting lead ore from the rich mineral veins that run through these hills. Like many mines in the region, it played a crucial role in local industry, providing employment for generations of miners who endured harsh conditions underground. The surface would have been home to ore processing areas, washing floors, and storage buildings, all essential for preparing the raw material before it was transported to nearby smelting works. As lead mining declined in the early 20th century, Bentyfield, like many others, was abandoned, leaving behind a landscape shaped by industry but slowly being reclaimed by nature.

Aerial photography of Bentyfield Lead Mine revealed its rugged beauty, with crumbling stone structures and deep mine workings still visible among the moorland. The remnants of spoil heaps, stretching across the landscape, highlighted the scale of excavation that took place here. The golden afternoon light emphasised the textures of weathered stone and the harsh, uneven ground, showing just how demanding the work must have been. From above, the mine's layout became more apparent, with the old workings cutting through the hills, a stark reminder of the effort that went into extracting lead from these remote landscapes. Despite its abandonment, Bentyfield still holds onto its history, standing as a silent monument to Cumbria’s industrial past.

Beldy Waterfall

Beldy Waterfall is a hidden gem tucked away in the Cumbria landscape, a place where water tumbles over rugged rock formations, creating a peaceful yet powerful spectacle. Unlike many of today’s locations, this was a purely natural feature, shaped over thousands of years by the relentless flow of water carving through the landscape. Nestled within a steep-sided valley, the waterfall has likely been a local landmark for centuries, offering a tranquil contrast to the region’s more industrial history. The surrounding woodland and moss-covered rocks add to its untouched beauty, making it feel like a secret spot lost in time.

Capturing Beldy Waterfall was a challenge, as it was impossible to fly the drone here due to the terrain and surrounding tree cover. Instead, I had to rely on phone photography, getting in close to frame the movement of the water against the rugged backdrop. The soft afternoon light filtering through the trees created a beautiful interplay of highlights and shadows, enhancing the rich textures of wet stone and flowing water. Despite the limitations of not being able to capture it from the air, the intimate ground-level perspective brought out the detail and character of this remarkable spot.

Ashgill Force Waterfall

Ashgill Force is one of Cumbria’s most impressive waterfalls, a dramatic cascade hidden within the rolling hills of the North Pennines. Unlike many waterfalls in the region, which are gentle trickles over mossy rocks, Ashgill Force is a powerful torrent, plunging over a rocky overhang into a deep gorge below. The waterfall is formed by Ashgill Beck, which begins high in the fells before cutting through layers of sandstone and limestone, shaping the landscape over thousands of years. Historically, the force of the water was harnessed to power mills and other small industries, as was common in this part of the country. Today, it remains a natural wonder, attracting hikers, photographers, and nature lovers drawn to its sheer beauty and secluded location.

Photographing Ashgill Force from the air captured its breathtaking scale, with the white water crashing down against the dark rock face, framed by steep cliffs and overhanging trees. The contrast between the rushing water and the stillness of the surrounding woodland made for a striking composition, while the changing light throughout the afternoon created ever-shifting patterns of shadows and reflections. The gorge’s depth and the jagged rock formations added a real sense of drama to the shots, reinforcing the wild and untamed nature of this incredible waterfall. Whether seen from above or at ground level, Ashgill Force remains one of Cumbria’s finest hidden treasures.

Lime Kilns at Snab End

The lime kilns at Snab End, near Ashgill Force, are a fascinating relic of Cumbria’s industrial past, standing as a reminder of the region’s long history of limestone processing. Built during the 18th and 19th centuries, these kilns were used to burn limestone at high temperatures, producing quicklime, a crucial material for agriculture, construction, and industry. The lime would have been used to neutralise acidic soils on farmland, make mortar for buildings, and even in iron production. These kilns, like many across the North Pennines, were positioned near sources of limestone and fuel, allowing for efficient production before the lime was transported to farms and towns across the region. As the demand for quicklime declined with industrial advancements, the kilns were abandoned, leaving behind weathered stone structures that still stand today.

From above, the lime kilns at Snab End are an unmistakable feature, with their arched openings and distinct circular chambers still visible despite decades of decay. The contrast between the industrial stonework and the rolling green landscape highlights how these kilns were once an integral part of the region’s economy. The shadows cast by the late afternoon sun accentuated the depth of the kiln openings, making their engineering and scale even more apparent. Now surrounded by grass and slowly being reclaimed by nature, the kilns offer a glimpse into a time when the landscape was shaped not just by nature, but by human endeavour.

Whitworth Church

Whitworth Church is a historic place of worship located near Spennymoor, with a history stretching back centuries. Once part of the Whitworth Hall estate, the church has long served as a spiritual centre for the local community, witnessing the changing fortunes of the region over time. The current structure, built in the 19th century, replaced earlier chapels that stood on this site, maintaining its historical and religious significance. The churchyard is home to centuries-old gravestones, marking the resting places of generations of local families, while the building itself features beautiful stonework, arched windows, and traditional architectural details that highlight its enduring presence in the landscape.

Capturing Whitworth Church in the late afternoon spring sunshine brought out the warm tones of the stonework and the intricate details of its design. The aerial perspective revealed its position within the surrounding parkland, offering a new view of its layout and connection to the estate. The long shadows cast across the churchyard, combined with the contrast between the structured architecture and the natural setting, made for a beautiful composition. Whether seen from above or on foot, Whitworth Church remains a striking and peaceful landmark, standing as a testament to the history and heritage of this part of County Durham.

Whitworth Hall

Whitworth Hall, located near Spennymoor, is a historic country estate with origins dating back to 1183. The hall became the home of the Shafto family in 1652, with its most famous resident being Robert Shafto, the MP for County Durham, who was immortalised in the folk song "Bobby Shafto's Gone to Sea." The estate has seen several changes over the centuries, including a devastating fire in 1877, after which it was rebuilt by 1891, preserving only part of the original structure. The hall as it stands today was largely reconstructed around 1900, reflecting the grand architecture of the era.

From the air, Whitworth Hall’s elegance is undeniable, with its symmetrical façade, historic deer park, and tree-lined avenues creating a majestic composition. The surrounding landscaped gardens and parkland, originally enclosed in 1420, still provide a picturesque setting, blending history with natural beauty. The late afternoon lighthighlighted the details of the stonework, bringing out the timeless charm of this County Durham landmark.

Bobby Shafto Statue in Whitworth Park

Set within the picturesque grounds of Whitworth Park, the Bobby Shafto Statue stands as a tribute to Robert Shafto, the 18th-century MP for County Durham, best known for inspiring the famous folk song Bobby Shafto’s Gone to Sea. The song, originally a political campaign tune, became one of Britain’s most well-known nursery rhymes, securing Shafto’s place in history. The statue, mounted on a stone obelisk, honours his legacy and his strong connection to Whitworth Hall and the surrounding estate. For over a century, this monument has been a landmark within the park, drawing visitors interested in both history and folklore.

Capturing the Bobby Shafto Statue from the air provided a unique perspective, showcasing how it is positioned within the vast parkland, surrounded by trees and open spaces. The drone images revealed the monument’s striking symmetry, with the stone column casting long shadows in the late afternoon sun. From above, the statue's alignment with Whitworth Hall was clear, further reinforcing its historic ties to the Shafto family and their estate. The contrast between the weathered stone and the lush greenery of the park made for an incredible composition, highlighting this enduring piece of County Durham’s heritage from a whole new angle.

Wild Deer at Whitworth Park

Whitworth Park is not only home to historic landmarks but also to a thriving herd of wild deer, a reminder of the estate’s centuries-old connection to nature and wildlife. The parkland has been home to deer since at least the 15th century, when the area was first enclosed as a deer park in 1420 under a licence granted to the Earl of Westmorland. Over the years, the herd has become an integral part of the landscape, roaming freely among the wooded areas, open fields, and near the historic hall. The deer add a sense of timelessness to Whitworth Park, making it feel like stepping back into a time when this estate was a grand hunting ground for nobility.

Using the drone carefully, I was able to capture the deer from the air, revealing their movements through the parkland in a way that would be impossible from the ground. The most dramatic moment came when I filmed two stags locking antlers in a fierce battle, their powerful bodies clashing as they fought for dominance. From above, the textures of their fur, the raw power of their movements, and the patterns of the landscape beneath them created an incredible composition, perfectly encapsulating the wild beauty of Whitworth Park’s deer herd. The low evening light added extra drama to the scene, highlighting the contrast between the golden tones of the landscape and the dark silhouettes of the fighting stags. A truly unforgettable moment to witness and capture.

Wrapping Up the Day

Today’s journey took me across two counties, from the historic lead mines and waterfalls of Cumbria to the stately parklands of Whitworth near Spennymoor, capturing centuries of history and the raw beauty of nature along the way. The day began with frosty landscapes and crisp, clear air, perfect conditions for photographing the abandoned mining sites and rugged waterfalls of the North Pennines. Later, in the warm glow of the late afternoon spring sunshine, I explored Whitworth Hall, its historic monuments, and the incredible wild deer herd that roams its parkland.

Every location told its own unique story, from the industrial past of Whitesike and Bentyfield Lead Mines to the legend of Bobby Shafto, immortalised in his statue at Whitworth Park. The drone footage of the stags battling added an unexpected and unforgettable highlight to the day, capturing nature’s power and beauty in real time. As always, seeing these places from both the ground and the air provided an entirely new perspective on their history and significance.

Weardale and the North Pennines never fail to surprise, and today was another reminder that there is always more to explore, more stories to uncover, and more incredible sights to capture from above.