Bleaklow: B29 Overexposed crash site circular from Snakes Summit

We love Bleaklow in the Peak District – this peat-covered gritstone moorland has so many different routes to offer. All of them are challenging due to the nature of the ground but well worth doing nonetheless. Our favourite route is the Bleaklow B29 Overexposed Crash Site via Doctors Gate from Glossop, which, takes around 6-hours to complete. If you are short on time but still want to visit the crash site then this route from Snakes Summit is the perfect option.

A history of the B29 Overexposed Crash Site

During a routine flight on November 3 1948 a US aircraft called Overexposed which was a Boeing B-29 Superfortress (American bomber) crashed on the Peak District moors of Bleaklow, close to Higher Shelf Stones. All 13 crew members of the 16th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron lost their lives and the remains of the wreckage remain. An official plaque has been erected at the site, and visitors should be respectful and not remove any of the debris.

Bleaklow B29 Overexposed Route Description

Stage 1 – Snakes Summit

Parking up along Snake Road, you need to be careful when entering or exiting your vehicle as this is a very busy road. It is also worth being aware of your surroundings when parking up as some sections even here could be difficult to get out of in bad weather conditions.

From Snake Road follow the path along the Pennine Way, through the gate, then a short distance later footpaths meet, here you take a left and leave the Pennine Way.

You will reach a Cairn and at this point follow the path to the right, and follow the narrow path along the edge of the valley (Crooked Clough).

As you reach the ford you will need to cross over and continue ahead. Be careful here as the terrain becomes very boggy. When we did this route we had wellies on and the below photo demonstrates just how careful you need to be.

Stage 2 – High Shelf Stones Trig Point & Crash Site

As with most Peak District walks the paths are not always very clear, however, following the OS map is a big help, especially during this section. As you continue uphill the path winds round and High Shelf Stones Trig Point should now come into view. On a clear day the views from here across to Manchester can be stunning.

To reach the crash site from here, simply continue ahead and follow the footpath round towards the right, the wreckage will soon come into sight.

As mentioned above it is important to be respectful and if you are walking with kids do not allow them to play on the wreckage and please leave any debris where it is.

Stage 3 – Back on the Pennine Way

From the crash site follow the obvious path down towards the left, again parts of this section are very boggy and you will need to cross a couple of streams and will eventually meet the Pennine Way again.

There are waymarked concrete and wooden pillars and usually plenty of people knocking about here. Shortly you will reach the flagstone path which you just follow back towards Snake Road where you parked up.