Witton Park Viaduct

This is one of those places I find myself time and time again, if I ever need a quick drone or photo fix and haven't got time to stray too far from home or the weather isn't playing ball, I usually find myself heading back to Witton Park Viaduct - or Etherley Viaduct, as it's also known.

It's one of those spots that never gets tired. It's got history, some lovely scenery, and three different ways to travel all crossing paths in one place - railway, road and river. It's like a little slice of the Industrial Revolution dropped into a peaceful corner of County Durham - and it still earns its keep today!

Still Going Strong After 160+ Years

Built back in 1856, this five-arched stone viaduct formed part of the Bishop Auckland to Stanhope line, shifting coal and limestone from the mines in Weardale down to where it was needed. The design is simple but spot on - solid brick piers, gentle arches, and just enough height to carry the track right across the River Wear.

Even better, it's still in use today as part of the Weardale Railway. So, on certain weekends and special events, you'll see heritage trains trundling across the top just like they did back in the day. Always worth sticking around for if you hear a distant rumble, or why not hop on from one of the nearby stations and take in the wonderful views for yourself.

Everything Crosses Here

What makes this spot interesting is how everything overlaps. The road - Bridge Street - runs through one of the arches, with cars and bikes zipping under the railway above. The river flows steadily alongside, and nearby are the remains of an old ford, used before the bridge was built. You can still spot it if the water's low.

There's also a small weir just downstream which adds a bit of movement and sound to the place - and it makes this a popular spot for kayakers too. On a good day, you might catch someone paddling past under the viaduct, giving the whole thing a bit of a postcard feel.

That View from the Top... Wow!

Now, don't get me wrong - the view from the ground's great. But if you've got a drone, the view from above is something else. You can see it all - the railway cutting across the landscape, the road running underneath and the river winding its way through the valley. It's one of those scenes where everything just lines up. Clean, layered, and ridiculously photogenic.

It's honestly one of my favourite places to shoot locally. Whether it's golden hour light catching the arches, a moody mist creeping through the valley, or a lucky train crossing at just the right moment - it's a location that gives you something different every time.

Did You Know?

The viaduct came close to being demolished in the 1990s after freight trains stopped running. But thanks to a local campaign and the revival of the Weardale Railway, it was saved and brought back into use. A proper win for railway heritage!

If you fancy a visit, it's dead easy to get to. There are public footpaths on both sides of the river, and it's a cracking little stop whether you're out with the camera, walking the dog, or just looking for somewhere peaceful to stretch your legs.

Thanks to DJ Aerial Photography for writing this fabulous article.