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Wray Castle, Ambleside added to National Trust in North West by D0c.Col on 15/11/2023

Wray Castle is a charming Grade II listed Victorian neo-gothic mansion located in the Lake District, Cumbria, and England. It's situated on the western shore of Lake Windermere, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The castle, along with the adjacent church was built as a private residence in the 1840s for James Dawson, a retired Liverpool surgeon.

Despite its stronghold appearance it was never intended as a defensive fortification and therefore lacks many typical castle like characteristics. Instead, it served as a holiday home for the Dawson family. After James’ death in 1875 the estate was inherited by his fifteen year old nephew, Edward Preston Rawnsley. In 1877 Edward's cousin, Hardwicke Rawnsley, took up the appointment of vicar of Wray Church. To protect the countryside from damaging development, Hardwicke, acting on a notion conceived by John Ruskin, developed the idea of a National Trust that could buy and preserve places of natural beauty and historic interest for the nation.
In 1882, when Beatrix Potter was just 16 years old, her family rented Wray Castle for their summer holiday. This visit is said to have inspired Beatrix's love for the Lake District, and it marked the beginning of her deep affection for the region. She eventually settled in the Lake District and purchased Hill Top Farm in Near Sawrey. It is said that the landscapes and surroundings of the Lake District, including her memories of Wray Castle, greatly influenced her work as a renowned author and illustrator, creating beloved children's books such as "The Tale of Peter Rabbit.”
In 1929 Wray Castle, along with 64 acres of land, were given to the National Trust by Sir Noton and Lady Barclay, the owners at that time. Since then, the castle has been used for a variety of purposes, such as a youth hostel, and from 1931 it housed the offices of the Freshwater Biological Association. From 1958 to 1998 it became a training college for Merchant Navy radio officers and was known as RMS Wray Castle).

In 2011 the National Trust proposed to lease the property stripped of its furnishings, for use as a hotel, but instead opened it to the public during the visitor season that year. High visitor numbers meant that the property had clear potential to be developed as a visitor attraction. In 2014 the Trust applied for retrospective planning permission to change the use of the listed building to visitor attraction and today, the public can explore its rooms, enjoy the beautiful grounds, and even participate in various family-friendly activities. The castle has a relaxed atmosphere, making it a delightful destination for those looking to experience the charm of the Lake District.

There is plenty of parking within the grounds itself and a number of National Trust granted public paths follow the Windermere Shoreline and across the property. I was able to launch the DJI mini 3 Pro from one of the Public Paths close to the Windermere Shoreline but inside the National Trust Property boundary. The castle was closed, as it was out-of-season, and VLOS was maintained, on this occasion, with the assistance of a spotter. Although there were plenty of walkers taking in the scenery at the time, I had no interaction with any of them! I suspect it maybe a different story in-season so be aware!

View and discuss this location in more detail on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 54.39904, -2.962124 • what3words: ///wreck.exposing.responses

The originator declared that this location was not inside a Flight Restriction Zone at the time of being flown on 03/11/2023. It remains the responsibility of any pilot to check for any changes before flying at the same location. Landowner permission may be required before taking off.

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Strutt's North Mill, Amber Valley (By D0c.Col)

Strutt’s North Mill in Belper, Derbyshire — one of the standout landmarks of the Industrial Revolution and part of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This is the first of three historic mills I explored in the area, each one with its own story of innovation and the massive changes that shaped Britain’s industrial past. Stick around, because I’ll be diving into the others in future videos."
Early Development and Industrial Innovation
The story of the Strutt mills began in the late 18th century when Jedediah Strutt, a partner of Richard Arkwright, capitalized on the power of the River Derwent to establish cotton spinning mills in Belper. The original North Mill, completed in 1786, was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1804 by Jedediah’s son, William Strutt, using pioneering fireproof construction methods. This structure was among the first to use an iron frame, brick arches, and cast iron columns – innovations that set the stage for modern industrial architecture.
The Horseshoe Weir: A Monumental Feat of 18th-Century Engineering
A key but often underappreciated component of the Strutt mill complex in Belper is the Horseshoe Weir, a striking and innovative water management structure that played a vital role in powering the mills. Built around 1797, it is now a Grade II* listed structure and stands as a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of early industrial engineers.
Origins and Purpose
The original South and North Mills were initially powered by water held back by a modest weir near what is now the railway bridge. However, as Jedediah Strutt expanded operations to include the West Mill, a much larger and more efficient water supply was required. Plans for this new structure appeared as early as 1796, and construction began shortly thereafter.
The solution was the Horseshoe Weir, named for its distinct curved shape. Its design and capacity dramatically enhanced the control and volume of water available for powering the mill complex. By strategically managing the flow of the River Derwent, the weir transformed the surrounding landscape and water system.
Scale and Modification
The weir was significantly altered and raised twice in the 19th century, in 1819 and 1843, yet it remains largely unchanged in its original function and form. These modifications increased the head of water, allowing for more consistent power generation even during periods of low river flow.
By 1820, the changes brought about by the weir had effectively added 5.8 hectares of water surface to the Derwent near Bridge Foot. This was a dramatic reshaping of the natural landscape for industrial use, underscoring the monumental scale of the Strutts’ enterprise.
Today, the Horseshoe Weir is recognized as one of the most outstanding civil engineering structures of the late 18th century. Its graceful curve, historical integrity, and continued presence offer a powerful visual and functional link to Belper’s industrial past.
Social Impact and Community Building
The Strutt family were not only industrialists but also social reformers. They created an entire community infrastructure around the mills, including housing, schools, and churches. At its zenith, the Strutt mill complex employed nearly 2,000 people, transforming Belper into a thriving industrial town and the second-largest in Derbyshire by 1801.
Decline and Demolition
The 20th century brought significant changes. Many original Strutt buildings – including the West, Junction, and Reeling Mills, along with the distinctive Round Building – were demolished between 1959 and 1966. This drastically altered the landscape of the site. Today, only the North Mill, East Mill, several ancillary structures, and the nearby horseshoe weir survive, offering just a glimpse of what was once a sprawling industrial complex that dominated the town’s economy and skyline.
Museum Era and Recent Challenges
The North Mill operated as a museum for many years under the stewardship of the Belper North Mill Trust, serving as a key educational and tourist destination. It showcased the history of textile manufacturing, the Strutt family, and Belper’s industrial past.
However, in September 2022, the museum closed its doors due to the withdrawal of council funding and increased rental costs. Despite this setback, the Trust continues its mission through guided heritage walks and a virtual tour available online. Exhibits have also been relocated to Cromford Mills in partnership with the Arkwright Society, ensuring the continued public engagement with this important legacy.

TOAL is plentiful, from the Belper River Park behind the mill and across the road that leads to Bridge Foot and the Horseshoe Weir (there is a very convenient wall to sit on directly opposite the mill here).

The mill is unmissable driving through Belper and carparking is freely available just passed Bridge Foot and the Horseshoe Weir. Town is full of the usual amenities and the Belper River Park is a delight to sit and have an icecream.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 53.02897, -1.485771 • what3words: ///freedom.ambitions.goodbyes

Jevington, Wealden (By grandad1950)

St Andrews Church dates from Saxon times and is well worth a visit. It sits on the edge of the village of Jevington on the South Downs Way in Sussex

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 50.79213, 0.214034 • what3words: ///lasted.pile.jumped

Shinewater Park, Eastbourne (By grandad1950)

A large recently developed nature reserve and recreation area on the outskirts of Eastbourne

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 50.80565, 0.286943 • what3words: ///precautions.grades.shade

Wray Windmill, Reigate and Banstead (By grandad1950)

A grade 2 listed tower mill now converted to a home

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.2448, -0.183348 • what3words: ///vital.stews.mutual

Allnabad, Sutherland, Sutherland North and West (By AlbionDrones)

Emptiness, Sutherland...

10 miles along a single-track road, on the way to Broch Dun Dornaigil, literally in the middle of nowhere, almost as far from civilisation as can be found in the UK, lies a ruined crofthouse...

The only sign of man - apart from the road - yet blessed with amazing views, I wonder what life would have been like here in the past, hard for sure, but a pace of life slower and more connected with nature than we currently have as a society...

Nearby, the Strathmore River cuts a gorse-lined gorge on the way to Loch Hope, in the shadow of Ben Hope, descending via some amazing and little-known falls - sadly we weren't in a position to visit the falls on this trip, but net time we will make sure to do so...

Car parking is roadside, there are a few spots where it is safe to do so, TOAL anywhere you see fit, but do check that EGR610 is inactive before flying - on this ay we arrived here at 315pm, and the FRZ was inactve from 3pm.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 58.33927, -4.626995 • what3words: ///tags.valued.automate

Munlochy, Black Isle South (By Trainman)

Took off from the small car park that overlooks the bay at Munlochy.
Fly from an elevated position that gives great views and great flying possibilities.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 57.55379, -4.249011 • what3words: ///fakes.dreamer.lyricist

Lewisham Castle, Kennet (By gasbag43)

Aldbourne is an attractive large village lying in a valley within the south slope of the Marlborough Downs in Wiltshire

Fans of the TV drama series “Band of Brothers” may be familiar with the name of the village - "A" company of the US Army 101st Airborne Division, known as The Band of Brothers, was based at Aldbourne in 1944 in the months before D-Day. The headquarters of The Band of Brothers in Aldbourne was in The Crown Inn and is commemorated by a blue plaque on the wall outside.

About 1.5 miles south-west of the village is a small medieval earthwork – 68m in diameter - known as Lewisham Castle. Records suggest that the name 'Lewisham' came from its association with Louis the Dauphin, who held Marlborough Castle in 1216.

This type of earthwork is known as a ringwork

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.46309, -1.650674 • what3words: ///surprised.safari.frost

St Anne's church, North Wiltshire (By gasbag43)

St. Anne's Church in Bowden Hill, Lacock, Wiltshire, was built by John Gladstone (ithe elder brother of the Prime Minister of the same name) in 1856 as a parish church. It was dedicated to Saint Anne in celebration of the birth of a son in the Gladstone family.


The church's design combines Early English Gothic, Norman, and Romanesque styles.

The location offers superb views of the surrounding Wiltshire countryside, including the beautiful Lacock Abbey (National Trust) which was one of the Harry Potter “Hogwarts School” film locations.

TOAL was from a small car park 100 metres from the church and well outside the Raymill House airspace restriction zone which covers the village itself (Raymill House is a Grade II listed country house privately owned by Quenn Camilla)

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.41008, -2.091007 • what3words: ///fidgeted.spelling.vineyard

Bluewater Shopping Centre, Dartford (By richrab)

Bluewater Shopping Centre (commonly known simply as Bluewater) is a large out-of-town shopping centre in Stone (postally Greenhithe), Kent, England, just outside the M25 motorway ring, 17.8 miles (28.6 km) east south east of London's centre. Opened on 16 March 1999 in a former chalk quarry after ten years of building works, the site (including car parks) occupies 240 acres (97 ha) and has a sales floor area of 154,000 m2 (1,600,000 ft2) over three levels, making it the fifth-largest shopping centre in the UK.


TOAL was from the Winter Gardens car park as far back as possible.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.43916, 0.270763 • what3words: ///froze.bowls.object

Wray Common, Reigate and Banstead (By grandad1950)

Not a lot of parking but loads of space to fly. The locals were very friendly.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.24475, -0.187339 • what3words: ///broke.exchanges.invest


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