B-29 Plane Crash Site Walk: A Unique Hike in the Peak District
One of the most poignant and fascinating hikes in the Peak District leads to the site of a B-29 Superfortress plane crash on the bleak, windswept moors of Higher Shelf Stones near Bleaklow Hill. The wreckage of the aircraft, which tragically crashed in 1948, has remained scattered across the moorland, serving as both a memorial and a reminder of the harsh, unpredictable conditions in this remote part of the Peaks. This walk offers a compelling mix of historical interest, rugged beauty, and a sombre connection to the past.
The Story Behind the Wreckage
On the 3rd of November 1948, the B-29 Superfortress, known as "Over Exposed", was on a routine flight from Scampton, Lincolnshire, to an airbase in the United States when it tragically crashed in thick cloud on the hills of Bleaklow, killing all 13 crew members on board. The wreckage has remained on the moorland as a lasting tribute to the lives lost and is now a well-known hiking destination for history enthusiasts and hikers alike.
Routes to the Crash Site
There are a few different routes you can take to visit the crash site, depending on your starting point and desired level of difficulty.
One of the most popular routes starts from Snake Pass. The walk begins at the Snake Pass layby on the A57, heading along the Pennine Way before branching off towards Higher Shelf Stones. This is a relatively straightforward route, with well-marked paths that gradually ascend the moor. It’s about a 4-mile round trip, making it a manageable walk for most hikers. Along the way, you’ll enjoy expansive views of the surrounding moorland, before reaching the eerie and atmospheric crash site.
Another route starts from the village of Glossop. This route is longer and more challenging, with a total distance of around 8 miles. It takes you through some beautiful and rugged terrain, offering a more immersive experience of the Peaks. Starting in Glossop, the path leads you up through Doctor’s Gate before following the Pennine Way to Hern Clough. From there, you’ll make your way towards Higher Shelf Stones and the crash site.
A third option for more experienced walkers is the approach from Old Glossop, via Shire Hill and James’ Thorn, offering a strenuous ascent through rocky and steep terrain. This route provides a more challenging hike but rewards walkers with striking views and a real sense of remoteness.
What to Expect on the Walk
The hike to the B-29 crash site can be an emotional and thought-provoking experience. As you approach the wreckage, the twisted remnants of the plane are scattered across the moor, a haunting reminder of the tragedy that occurred here. Visitors often leave poppies, crosses, or other tributes to honour the memory of the crew.
The terrain is typical of the Peak District’s high moorlands: exposed, boggy, and often shrouded in mist. Conditions can change rapidly, so it’s essential to be prepared for wind, rain, and cold, even in summer. Good waterproof boots and clothing are a must, as well as a map and compass (or GPS), as the moorland can be disorienting, especially in low visibility.
The Local Environment
The area around Bleaklow and Higher Shelf Stones is typical of the Peak District's upland moorland environment. The landscape is stark and dramatic, with sweeping views across the moors, deep cloughs (valleys), and occasional outcrops of gritstone. The moorland is covered in heather, cotton grass, and peat bogs, providing a home to a variety of wildlife, including curlews, red grouse, and mountain hares. In spring and summer, the moors are alive with the sounds of birdlife, while the autumn brings the purple blooms of heather stretching across the hillsides.
Though the environment is beautiful, it’s also fragile. Hikers are encouraged to stick to the paths to avoid damaging the delicate moorland ecosystem, which can take decades to recover from human impact.
The B-29 plane crash site walk offers a unique combination of history, natural beauty, and adventure. Whether you take the shorter route from Snake Pass or the more challenging path from Glossop, the walk provides a chance to explore the remote and wild moorlands of the Peak District, while paying tribute to the lives lost in a tragic accident. With its haunting wreckage and stunning surroundings, this hike is a must for those looking for a meaningful and memorable experience in the Peaks.
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