A Day in Teesdale – Mining Relics, Forgotten Farms & Unexpected Finds

Setting off towards Teesdale, I had no real plan for the day. At first, it felt like one of those frustrating outings where the locations weren’t coming together, and the shots weren’t quite right. But as the day went on, things started to fall into place. Revisiting old locations, discovering new ones, and capturing some stunning remnants of Teesdale’s industrial and agricultural past turned it into a day well spent.

Brass Sides Disused Farm Buildings

Brass Sides is a collection of abandoned farm buildings near Woodland, a village on the edge of Teesdale. The history of these buildings is uncertain, but they would have once been part of a working farm, possibly dating back to the 18th or 19th century. Farms like these were essential for the local economy, supporting livestock and small-scale crop production in the often harsh conditions of upland County Durham. Over time, as farming methods changed and rural depopulation increased, many of these isolated farmsteads were abandoned.

The ruins of Brass Sides are in various states of decay, with some sections of stone walls still standing strong while others have collapsed. From above, the aerial perspective showed how the buildings were positioned within the landscape, with old boundary walls and trackways still visible, hinting at how the land was once worked. The contrast between the weathered stone and the surrounding moorland made for some dramatic captures, reinforcing the feeling of a once-thriving farm now lost to time.

Grassholme Bridge

Grassholme Bridge crosses the River Lune near Grassholme Reservoir, one of Teesdale’s key water sources. The reservoir, constructed in the early 20th century, was built to supply water to Darlington and the surrounding areas. While much of the landscape around the reservoir has changed, the bridge itself is a link to the past, forming part of the network of roads and tracks that supported farming and industry in the area.

The bridge is a traditional stone structure, blending into the natural surroundings while providing an essential crossing point over the river. Capturing it from above allowed for a wider view of the river and its position within the valley, with the aerial perspective showing how the bridge serves as a key connection between the hillsides. On the ground, the worn stonework and the gentle flow of the river underneath made for some atmospheric shots.

High Skeers Lead Mine

Teesdale was once a centre for lead mining, and High Skeers Lead Mine is one of many abandoned sites that dot the landscape. The mine operated during the 18th and 19th centuries, part of a wider network of lead extraction that saw the North Pennines become one of Britain’s key mining regions. The remains include spoil heaps, old shafts, and the scattered remnants of processing buildings, evidence of the industrial activity that once thrived here.

Mining was tough work, with workers enduring harsh conditions underground and in the exposed landscape. As the lead industry declined in the late 19th century, mines like High Skeers were abandoned, leaving only their scars on the land. From above, the drone captured the distinct lines of the spoil heaps and the faint outlines of old workings, blending into the landscape but still visible to those who know what to look for.

Marlbeck Mine

Marlbeck Mine is another of Teesdale’s old lead mining sites, though it is less well-documented than some of the larger operations. It likely followed the same pattern as many other mines in the area, working throughout the 19th centurybefore closing as the industry declined. The site consists of ruins of old mine buildings, collapsed entrances, and scattered remnants of ore processing.

The aerial shots helped to highlight how the mine fitted into the valley, with old trackways leading to and from the site, evidence of how ore was transported for processing. The drone also captured the remaining stone structures, still standing despite years of exposure to the elements. The soft afternoon light gave a warm glow to the ruins, bringing out the textures of the weathered stone.

Belmont Farm Building, Teesdale

Belmont Farm is one of many abandoned farm buildings scattered across Teesdale. Like Brass Sides, it would have been a working farm during the 18th and 19th centuries, before changing economic conditions made small-scale upland farming less viable. The building’s position within the valley suggests it was once an important part of the local agricultural network, likely supporting sheep farming or small-scale crop production.

From above, the farm’s layout became more apparent, with sections of the roof now collapsed, exposing the skeletal remains of the structure. The surrounding dry-stone walls formed a patchwork across the landscape, remnants of old enclosures that once housed livestock. Despite its abandonment, the farm remains a striking feature in the landscape, its ruins telling the story of a life now lost.

Manorgill Mine & Manorgill Sike

Manorgill Mine, like many in Teesdale, was part of the region’s extensive lead mining history. Operating in the 19th century, it would have been worked by miners extracting galena, the main ore of lead, which was then processed nearby. The remains of the mine, though overgrown, still show evidence of the industrial past, with spoil heaps, collapsed shafts, and remnants of buildings scattered around the site.

Manorgill Sike, a small watercourse running through the area, would have been essential for the mining operation, likely used in ore separation and washing. The aerial shots captured the relationship between the mine and the landscape, showing how the site was built around the natural features of the valley. The drone footage also picked out the faint traces of old paths and structures, helping to visualise how the site once operated.

Wiregill Mine Shops

Wiregill Mine Shops were once a vital part of the wider lead mining operations in Teesdale, serving as a central point for tool storage, repairs, and blacksmithing to support the miners working underground. Unlike many other mining sites in the region, no buildings remain standing today, with only faint traces of foundations and spoil heaps marking its existence. Historical records suggest that this location would have been a busy industrial area during the 19th century, providing essential support for nearby mine workings. As with many lead mines in Teesdale, Wiregill declined when the industry collapsed, leaving the site to be slowly reclaimed by nature.

From the air, the landscape still holds clues to its past, with subtle indentations where buildings once stood and old trackways faintly visible through the surrounding moorland. The drone helped to highlight the patterns of the land, showing how the mine shops once fitted into the wider industrial network. Though the buildings have long since disappeared, the site remains an important part of Teesdale’s mining heritage, a reminder of the workers and infrastructure that once played a crucial role in the lead industry.

Round Hill Shooting Cabin

Round Hill Shooting Cabin is a more recent structure compared to the other sites visited today. Shooting cabins like this were built in the 19th and early 20th centuries to provide shelter for those involved in grouse shooting, a sport that was popular among landowners and gentry. The North Pennines and Yorkshire Dales have long been used for game shooting, with estates maintaining moorland for this purpose.

The cabin, though simple in design, is still in use, making it one of the few buildings visited today that isn’t entirely abandoned. Capturing it from the air provided a clearer view of its position within the landscape, showing how it sits among the rolling moors. The views from the site were spectacular, making it clear why this location was chosen as a base for those spending long days in the hills.

Wrapping Up the Day

What started as a difficult day turned into a fantastic journey through Teesdale’s industrial and rural history. From abandoned lead mines and forgotten farmsteads to remote workshops and shooting cabins, the landscapes I explored told the story of a region shaped by industry, agriculture, and tradition. Some sites were old favourites, while others were completely new to me, but all were worth the visit. Another day well spent uncovering the hidden past of the North Pennines.