Quarries, Railways, Viaducts, and Hidden Waterfalls – A Day of Exploration

Today was a mix of revisiting past locations, uncovering new details, and capturing some unexpected moments along the way. The skies were heavy and grey, and the wind wasn’t ideal, but that didn’t stop me from making the most of the day. What started as an industrial and railway-themed outing ended with a peaceful detour through woodland waterfalls—proof that sometimes the best shots come when you least expect them.

From gaining proper access to Old Towns Quarry, to getting a rare positive encounter at the Hitachi plant, to fighting the elements at Belmont Viaduct, the day was full of contrasts. It was a reminder that every location has more to reveal—even those I’ve visited before.

Old Towns Quarry, Near Newton Aycliffe

Old Towns Quarry is one of those locations that often flies under the radar. Originally a source of stone for local construction, the quarry was active during the 19th and early 20th centuries before being abandoned as demand for stone decreased and modern materials took over. These sites often become overgrown and forgotten, blending back into the landscape, but remnants of the quarrying past can still be found.

I had visited here a few weeks ago and captured some aerial shots from a distance, but after sharing my images, the landowner reached out and kindly gave me permission to explore the site properly. Walking through, I was surprised by just how large the quarry is—it’s far bigger than I had realised when viewing it from above. The drone provided an even clearer perspective of the layout, showing the scale of the excavation and the way nature has started to reclaim it.

Hitachi, Newton Aycliffe

Newton Aycliffe is home to Hitachi’s UK train manufacturing plant, a state-of-the-art facility responsible for producing some of the most modern trains in the country. Opened in 2015, the site has played a key role in the production of high-speed trains for the UK rail network, including the Azuma fleet for the East Coast Main Line and trains for other major services across Britain. The plant has continued to expand and develop new technologies, cementing Newton Aycliffe as a major centre for rail manufacturing.

I had previously captured aerial images of the site from a distance, but today I was able to get much closer. While I expected security to take issue with my presence, I was pleasantly surprised when a security officer approached me in a friendly and professional manner. He understood drone laws and even provided guidance on how to get better shots of the brand-new trains being tested. This was a rare and positive experience—too often, security at industrial sites can be unnecessarily aggressive, so this interaction was a refreshing change.

The aerial shots provided a fantastic look at the layout of the site, showing the scale of the manufacturing operation. It was also an opportunity to capture some of the new trains before they hit the tracks.

Belmont Viaduct

Belmont Viaduct is one of Durham’s most impressive disused railway structures, standing high above the River Wear. Built in 1856, it was designed to carry the Leamside Line, which connected Sunderland to Durham and provided an important alternative rail route before the East Coast Main Line was established. Constructed from rock-faced sandstone, the viaduct stretches nearly 700 feet across the valley, with eight towering arches supported by thick piers. The three largest arches span the river itself, with their imposing cutwaters helping to manage the force of the water below.

Unlike some railway viaducts that continued to see use well into the 20th century, Belmont Viaduct fell out of favour when railway routes were reorganised in the 1870s. When the more direct route through Chester-le-Street became the primary line, the Leamside route lost its significance, though freight services and some passenger trains still used it for many years. The viaduct was finally abandoned in the 1960s following widespread railway closures, and since then, it has remained standing but unused.

Despite its disuse, the viaduct is still an incredible piece of 19th-century engineering. Walking beneath its vast stone arches, it’s easy to imagine the steam trains that once crossed high above the Wear, making their way through the countryside. With the river flowing strongly below after recent rainfall, the structure had a striking presence, standing defiant against the passage of time. I had hoped for clearer conditions to allow for a better aerial perspective, but with the water levels high and visibility restricted, it was more of a challenge than expected. Nevertheless, I managed to capture some unique angles that highlight the scale and beauty of this forgotten landmark.

Waterfalls in Kepier Woods

On the walk back to the car from Belmont Viaduct, I took a brief detour into Kepier Woods, a peaceful area full of winding trails and hidden waterfalls along the River Wear. The woodland here is incredibly atmospheric, with ancient trees lining the paths and water cutting through the landscape, creating small but stunning cascades.

I took the opportunity to capture some long-exposure shots on my phone, playing with shutter speed to create that smooth, flowing effect that brings waterfalls to life. While this wasn’t a planned stop, it was one of the most rewarding moments of the day, proving that sometimes the best captures happen when you least expect them.

Wrapping Up the Day

Although the weather wasn’t perfect, today was a reminder that even repeat visits can offer new experiences. Gaining better access to Old Towns Quarry, capturing more of the Hitachi site, and revisiting Belmont Viaduct all made for a worthwhile trip. While not every shot came out as planned, the journey was full of learning and unexpected moments, which is what makes exploring these places so rewarding.