This is a unique walk to visit the B-29 Bleaklow Bomber crash site. The aircraft crashed at Higher Shelf Stones on the Bleaklow moorland plateau near Glossop in Derbyshire on 3rd November 1948. The aircraft was on a routine daytime flight with two other aircraft, leaving RAF Scampton near Lincoln heading to the US Air force base at Burtonwood near Warrington. The aircraft hit low cloud and began to descend and was then engulfed in flames. Unfortunately, all 11 crew and 2 military passengers died in the crash.
B-29 Crash Site
In 1988 a memorial was put up at the site by the servicemen from RAF Finningley which is a plaque of those who died in the crash. Much of the wreckage is still exposed, including the Duplew-Cyclone engines, wing sections, fuselage sections, undercarriage and gun turrets.
Walking up to the B-29 Crash Site
You are not able to drive up to the crash site this can only be accessed on foot. This walk is also not suitable for younger children or pushchairs as parts are very boggy and difficult to climb. The weather can also turn quite quickly so make sure you are wearing the appropriate clothing and footwear. There are also no cafes or restaurants en route so make sure you have plenty of snacks and food too.
Where can you park to visit the B-29 Crash Site?
The crash site can be accessed off a layby on Snake Pass. If you follow the Penine Way north from the A57 there are lay-bys on each side where you can park. From the layby there is a trail path up to Bleaklow Head that can be followed and there is a little sign post. We hiked about an hour down through the moors and then climbed up to the top and over the moors to the crash site. You can see the crash site from below so if you keep that as a guide it should keep you on track. The walk to the crash site from the layby at the summit of Snake Pass is about 5.5Km. The grid reference for the site is SK 090949 it can also be viewed on Google Maps but beware phone signals don’t always work!
Views from the B-29 Crash Site
Once you get to the top the views are incredible, the crash site is quite sad but there is a lovely memorial to see and read. It was also interesting to see all the different parts of the aircraft and it was nice remembering and talking about what happened with the children.
Dogs are allowed at the B-29 Crash Site
You are allowed to take dogs across the moors and to the crash site, however, please make sure dogs stay close as there are some tricky areas to walk through.
Nice to walk somewhere different
We had a great day out doing this walk, it’s certainly unique and more suited for older children but we would highly recommend a visit if you enjoy slightly more challenging walks.
