How to find the B29 Overexposed Crash Site and Higher Shelf Stones on Bleaklow
The B29 Overexposed Crash Site walk and Higher Shelf Stones is one of the more wild, harrowing and captivating walks in the Peak District National Park in England.
It is a place of peace where you can visit a sobering memorial to the 13 crew members who lost their lives on impact on the 3rd November 1948. A memorial was built in 1988 by the servicemen from RAF Finningley, which states, ‘It is doubtful the crew ever saw the ground’.
The 16th photographic reconnaissance squadron US Air Force was on a routine flight from RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire to American AFB Burtonwood near Warrington when they crashed on the gritstone Bleaklow moors due to low clouds.
After it flew to photograph nuclear testing at Bikini Atoll, the aircraft got its name as the Bleaklow Bomber, as it included dropping an atomic bomb.
Like us, you will likely be amazed at the plane wreckage in Glossop and how even after 70 years, it is still so preserved, including the significant parts of the rubber wheels and the Duplex- Cyclone engines and gun turrets. Of course, you do not expect these materials to decompose quickly, but it is still something that captivates you.
The wreckage is scattered over miles, which shows the vast devastation of the aircraft. Understanding the history and about what happened here makes this one of the most unique and most emotional places to hike in the Peaks.
It is worth seeing, and we have put together a valuable guide to visiting with crucial information on how to get there, top tips to be aware of and some directions and pictures to accompany your map.
The area is 2,000ft (610 metres) above sea level, making this the third highest place in the Peak District. The high elevation means that you will have fantastic views over Manchester on a clear day.
B-29 Superfortress Crash Site Walk Details
Distance: roughly 6km (4 miles).
Time: 1.5-2.5 hours (it could be longer, if you stop at the B29 crash site to take pictures).
Elevation Gain: 160m
Difficulty: easy-moderate. It is a short circular walk, but visibility can make this more challenging.
How to get to the B29 Overexposed Crash Site and Higher Shelf Stones on Bleaklow
Car: the B29 overexposed crash site walk is off the A57 Snake Pass 4 miles east of Glossop. You can find the Google Maps position here.
Bus: catch the X57 from Manchester of Sheffield, and there is a bus stop on both sides of the road at the start of the Bleaklow plane crash walk at the Snake Road Pennine Way bus stop.
The issue with the buses is that they operate on a 2-hourly service, which means that you need to time your walk well but the operator Hulley’s of Baslow have a great reputation. You can pay by contactless on their buses too!
Train: The nearest train station is Glossop, which is well connected to both Manchester and Sheffield. However, if you wish to start from Glossop, you will have to do a longer route than this one we suggest in this post. All Trails have a good suggestion.
Where do you park for the B29 Crash Site?
Parking for the B29 Overexposed Crash site is near Doctors Gate in laybys on Snake Pass. The postcode for the B29 Overexposed crash site walk is SK13 7PQ.
You can reach it on Google Maps here.
The parking here is free but limited. Therefore, we recommend visiting early on weekends, especially if the weather is good. However, there will likely be more space in the week, so you can arrive later as there is enough space for roughly 40 cars.
Best Time to see the B29 Overexposed and Higher Shelf Stones
Time your visit with the heather season in the Peak District; this is for roughly three weeks from late August to early September. We do not recommend doing the Bleaklow plane crash walk in bad weather.
One of those, been there, got the T-shirt situations, and it can be dangerous. We once reached the B29 overexposed site, and the weather changed so much, and the fog crept around us – it was pretty frightening.
There are numerous cases of the Mountain rescue teams being called to help those attempting the Bleaklow plane crash walk that have got into difficulty.
9 Top Tips for Visiting the B29 Crash Site and Higher Shelf Stones
- Remember you are visiting a memorial, so be respectful and do not take inappropriate pictures.
- Unfortunately, there are no facilities and no toilets. The nearest public toilets, cafes, shops and restaurants are in Glossop. Therefore, ensure you have water, snacks and food with you.
- Remember to leave no trace and take all litter home with you to keep the Peaks beautiful.
- The weather can change very quickly here. One moment you can see clearly, and the next, you are walking through the midst. Be prepared for harsh, windy conditions and always tell someone if you attempt this trail by yourself. Safety is paramount. Check Glossop’s weather here before you go.
- If it is snowing or raining, we do not recommend attempting this hike. There have been many cases of people having to get rescued by the Mountain Resuces teams because they have not navigated the area where their aircraft crashed due to poor visibility. The site has become a popular destination due to social media, and it is significant that everyone wants to Go Outside but follow the advice for everyone’s safety.
- You will need an OL1- Peak District (Dark Peak) Map for the plane wreck Glossop walk.
- The moorland is exposed, which means you will need to dress appropriately and wear layers to stay warm, especially in the winter months.
- The Bleaklow Moors are a boggy peat moorland, muddy and uneven, so wear appropriate and supportive footwear.
- The trail to the B29 Overexposed crash site walk is a dog-friendly, but dogs are requested to stay on short leads from 1st March to 31st July to help protect the Peak District’s rare birds.
Directions to find the B29 Overexposed Crash Site Walk and Higher Shelf Stones
After visiting the Bleaklow Bomber crash site from different places, we believe that the following route is the most straightforward to follow. We do not recommend hiking across the moorland and sticking to the paths where possible.
Disclaimer: This route will need a map (OL1- Peak District (Dark Peak) to accompany it if the weather and visibility are poor. If it is clear and you can see where you are going, you will likely be ok due to the popularity of the walk and numerous people doing a similar route.
Where is the Bleaklow Crash Site? A Helpful Four-Step Guide
Step 1: Snake Pass to Higher Shelf Stones
From the parking layby on Snake Pass, turn left and go through a wooden gate where you will see a National Trust sign for Hopeland Woodland Moor. From here, follow the stony path, which is part of the Pennine Way.
There are plenty of wooden posts with arrows, and the track is self-explanatory to begin the walk.
When you reach the wooden post (see picture), follow the blue arrow direction to Glossop on a less straightforward muddier path. Walk down for about 200m, and you will see a more minor way to your right.
There is a pile of stones just before you turn. Do not go through the wooden gate, as this means you are on the wrong path for this walk.
Follow the path, and you will see the large canyon on your left. There are a few small waterfalls of Crooked Clough, and the view is fantastic of the Higher Shelf Stones.
However, it is exposed and can be very windy. Keep the canyon on your left until you are there. If the day is clear, you will be able to see Manchester’s skyline from here already.
Walk along for roughly 900m until you see a waterfall, and just after, go down the bank, cross the stream and climb up the other side.
Step 2: Climbing the Higher Shelf Stones summit
After, keep going up, and you should be able to see the Higher Shelf Stones in the distance. You will cross another small stream and should continue upwards. There are different trails you can take at the point (head North West) and continue up. It can be steep in places, but the view at the top is worth the climb.
As you are close to the summit, you can see across to Lower Shelf Stones from the stones. Continue through the rocks into the trig point of Higher Shelf Stones on Bleaklow.
Step 3: To the B29 Overexposed Crash Site
You can detour to Lower Shelf Stones from the trip’s point, or you can turn right and head east towards the crash site. The path is straightforward but can be muddy in places, and you will arrive quite quickly at the top, where you will see the memorial plaque.
It is quite a sight to see the debris of the Bleaklow plane crash still here. It comes out of nowhere.
Follow the wide path down through the bottom of the Bleaklow Bomber crash site, and you turn a slight left after the last piece of silver debris.
Continue down the track, where the landscape opens up, and if it’s a clear day, you can clearly see the path going back to the laybys on Snake Pass.
STEP 4: Back along the Pennine Way to Snake Pass
Keep continuing down the moorland, there are several ways down to the bottom, and it can be muddy, so watch your footing. You will cross a stream and keep on going down until you reach the top of the valley.
Go over the stream, and instead of going right following the path that you came on, take a left going uphill to find the Pennine Way trail, which means that you will be doing a circular walk!
The Pennine Way is a clear white path -you can’t miss it. Once you reach it, turn right and follow it back down to Snake Pass along the stone slabs, back along the gravel road past the signpost you followed when you started and back through the gate!
Bleaklow plane crash walk complete!
If you want to make the walk longer, you can walk go Bleaklow Head from the plane crash site.
What are walks nearby the B29 Crash Site and Higher Shelf Stones?
Read our guides to the following Peak District walks to take inspiration for your next hike. The B29 Overexposed rash site walk and Higher Shelf Stones is a fantastic short walk, but other exciting hikes are nearby.
All great.
All different.
Kinder Scout – the highest point in the Peaks.
Padley Gorge – a short, flat woodland walk.
Ladybower Reservoir – a flat walk with an underwater town.
Bamford Edge – to experience the best views in the Peaks, especially of Ladybower.
Mam Tor – to conquer the Mother Hill.
We only recommend things that we have personally tried and love using on our travels and hikes.
Please be advised that some of the links on our site are affiliate links. By clicking and purchasing using these links, you will help support the Average Lives travel blog to provide independent travel content at no extra cost to you.
Waterproof Jacket: Women’s/ Men’s
Photography gear: Drone – Camera – Smartphone
Photo Credits:averagelives.com
We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.
Are there any organised walking tours ifvthe B29 crash site please. Thanks Stephanie PIpe
Hi Stephanie, yes this company provides guided walks:https://www.myguidedwalks.co.uk/Guided-Walks-Peak-District/Bleaklow-B29-Superfortress
We hope to organise some walks ourselves soon too! 🙂