Stormy Seas and Windy Heights: Capturing the Northeast’s Icons

The stormy weather yesterday put a halt to my aerial photography plans, but I didn’t let that stop me from heading to the coast in search of dramatic waves. Despite westerly winds keeping the sea relatively calm, I made the most of the opportunity, capturing a few shots with my phone. Today brought clearer skies but windy conditions, which limited my flying time. However, I still managed to capture some fantastic aerial content at some fascinating locations.

Seaham Beach

Situated on the County Durham coastline, it's renowned for its striking scenery and its unique sea glass, remnants of the town’s glassworks industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The beach has a rugged charm, with dramatic cliffs and rocky outcrops framing the shoreline. Seaham’s history is deeply connected to its maritime and mining heritage, with coal shipments once dominating the harbour. Today, the beach offers a peaceful retreat and a chance to reflect on the area’s industrial past.

Yesterday’s skies added an atmospheric quality to my photos, highlighting the contrast between the sandy beach and the dark, brooding cliffs. The lack of big waves was disappointing, but the shoreline’s natural beauty still made for compelling images.

Steetley Pier

A remnant of the region’s industrial history, was originally built to serve the Steetley Magnesite Works. The pier once carried pipes that discharged waste materials into the sea, a process that shaped the local economy but left an environmental impact. Since the closure of the works in the 2000s, the pier has become a striking yet weathered structure, a symbol of the area’s transition from industry to regeneration. It now attracts photographers, walkers, and those intrigued by its skeletal beauty.

The conditions yesterday softened the edges of the pier, creating a dramatic silhouette against the sea. Using my phone, I captured its weathered beams and the interplay of light on the water, showcasing its stark yet haunting beauty.

Northern Spire Bridge

Completed in 2018, the Northern Spire Bridge is an architectural marvel spanning the River Wear in Sunderland. This cable-stayed bridge, with a central pylon rising 105 metres, is an iconic symbol of modern engineering and a key part of Sunderland’s transport network. It’s the tallest structure in the city and was designed to connect communities and support economic growth. The bridge is not just functional but a striking piece of art, with its sleek design complementing the river it spans.

Despite today’s windy conditions, the drone captured the bridge’s elegant lines and the shimmering reflections on the river below. The aerial perspective highlights its commanding presence and the way it connects the city’s past and future.

Hylton Castle

Located in Sunderland, dates back to the late 14th century. Built by Sir William Hylton, it was a fortified manor designed to showcase wealth and status rather than serve as a defensive stronghold. The castle has undergone numerous changes over the centuries, from a stately home to a school and eventually a ruin. In recent years, significant restoration work has turned it into a heritage centre, preserving its history for future generations.

The aerial footage showcases the restored grandeur of Hylton Castle, framed by its surrounding green spaces. The drone captures its intricate stonework and the contrast between its medieval architecture and the modern developments nearby. The slightly windy weather added an extra element of dynamism to the footage.

Washington F Pit

Part of the area’s coal mining heritage, this preserved engine house once served the Washington Colliery. Built in the early 20th century, the F Pit housed the machinery responsible for winding miners and coal in and out of the pit. After the colliery closed in 1968, the pithead was preserved as a museum, highlighting the importance of mining to the local community. It stands as a tribute to the miners and their hard work in dangerous conditions.

The aerial perspective of Washington F Pit captures its industrial charm and the surrounding parkland that tells the story of a transformed landscape. The winding gear stands tall against the backdrop of the Northeast’s rolling hills, a symbol of resilience and remembrance.

Bowes Railway

The Bowes Railway, originally designed by George Stephenson in 1826, is a key piece of railway history. Built to transport coal from collieries to the River Tyne, it is the world’s only preserved standard gauge cable railway. The railway played a vital role in the industrial growth of the region, evolving with technological advancements until its closure in the 20th century. Today, the railway operates as a museum, offering a glimpse into the area’s coal mining and transport heritage.

The drone captured the railway’s unique layout, including the remnants of its tracks and buildings. From above, the interplay of history and nature is evident, with green fields encroaching on the industrial structures. The slightly gusty conditions provided dynamic movement in the surrounding trees, adding depth to the footage.

Wrapping Up the Day

The stormy weather may have limited my options yesterday, but it also brought its own charm to the scenes I captured. Today’s clearer skies and windy conditions allowed for some dramatic aerial shots that highlight the Northeast’s rich heritage and natural beauty. Each location told its own story, from the industrial echoes of Steetley Pier to the modern elegance of the Northern Spire Bridge.

Which of today’s captures do you love the most? Let me know in the comments!

Credit: DJ Aerial Photography

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