Making the Most of Limited Time: A Day of Castles, Quarries, and Bridges

With the forecast promising days of rain and high winds, I knew today was my only chance to make the most of clear skies and calm conditions. Despite the time constraints, I was determined to capture some incredible locations and uncover stories hidden in the North East’s rich heritage. It’s days like these that remind me why I love what I do—finding the perfect angle, chasing the light, and exploring the incredible history that lies just around the corner.

From the grandeur of one of England’s finest castles to the echoes of industry in a historic quarry, and ending the day with two spectacular bridges steeped in engineering brilliance, today offered a bit of everything. Equipped with my trusty DJI Mini 4 Pro and phone camera, I set out to document these remarkable sites from above and on the ground. Here’s how the day unfolded:

Raby Castle: A Majestic Encounter

Raby Castle, one of County Durham's finest landmarks, has stood proudly for over 600 years. Built in the 14th century by the powerful Neville family, the castle is an enduring symbol of medieval strength and grandeur. Surrounded by 200 acres of parkland, it’s home to herds of deer that roam freely, adding to its fairytale-like charm.

This morning, I was treated to an unexpected surprise—a pair of reindeer posed perfectly in front of the castle. I couldn’t resist capturing their regal stance on my phone camera before taking to the skies. The drone provided breathtaking views of the castle, with its imposing towers and sprawling grounds beautifully framed by the winter morning light. It was a magical start to the day, combining architectural majesty with a touch of festive wonder.

Haggerleases Quarry and The Canal on Cockfield Fell: Industrial Heritage Meets Natural Beauty

Haggerleases Quarry, nestled within the historic Cockfield Fell, is a site steeped in industrial heritage. Once a bustling hub for extracting sandstone, the quarry played a vital role in supporting the area's mining and building industries. Adjacent to the quarry is an intriguing stretch of canal, part of an early transport system designed to connect the fell's industrial activities to the wider region.

On a previous visit, strong winds prevented me from capturing this fascinating location from above. Today, I was able to rectify that, sending the drone high to capture the quarry’s dramatic contours and the canal's serpentine path. The contrast between the rugged stone and the soft surrounding vegetation created stunning visuals. These aerial shots and footage reveal how industry and nature have intertwined over time, leaving behind a unique and captivating landscape.

Newton Cap Viaduct & Skirlaw Bridge: Twin Giants of Bishop Auckland

Newton Cap Viaduct and Skirlaw Bridge stand as iconic symbols of Bishop Auckland’s engineering legacy. Newton Cap Viaduct, a towering railway bridge built in 1857, spans the River Wear with its majestic arches, once carrying coal trains and now serving as a key part of the regional road network. Just below it, Skirlaw Bridge, a stone structure dating back to the 18th century, provides a picturesque crossing for pedestrians and vehicles alike. Together, they encapsulate centuries of industrial progress and architectural brilliance.

Stopping here on my way through Bishop Auckland, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to capture these two magnificent bridges once more. From the air, the contrast between the viaduct's imposing height and the bridge’s understated charm became strikingly clear. The drone video showcased the dynamic interplay of these structures against the river’s flowing waters, while the aerial photos highlighted their enduring beauty from above.

Reflections on the Day

From the historic grandeur of Raby Castle to the rugged charm of Haggerleases Quarry and the engineering marvels of Bishop Auckland’s bridges, today’s journey was a celebration of County Durham’s rich and diverse heritage. Capturing these sites from above added a new dimension to their stories, bringing together the past and present in stunning detail.

Stay tuned for the photos and videos—I can’t wait to share them with you all!