Bleaklow B29 Overexposed Crash Site From Doctor’s Gate: 10.5 Mile Circular Route
Challenging
6 hours
10.5 Miles (17km)
The hike to the B-29 Overexposed crash site from Doctor’s Gate in Glossop is one of the most powerful walks we have done in the Peak District. It begins gently, following the old Roman road of Doctor’s Gate as it climbs through the narrow valley of Shelf Brook, before opening out onto the vast, windswept moors of Bleaklow. From there, a faint path leads across rough peat and heather to the remains of the U.S. Air Force Superfortress that crashed in 1948, claiming the lives of all 13 crew.
It’s a sobering yet strangely peaceful place, surrounded by nothing but sky and silence. The walk combines the solitude of Bleaklow’s wild landscape with a moment of quiet reflection on history and loss. It is a challenging walk as the terrain is boggy moorland and with the weather likely to change at any moment good navigation skills are a must. We recommend late spring through early autumn as the best time to attempt this route with the moorland being a little firmer underfoot (it always seems to be boggy) so this time of year should give you the best conditions underfoot.
This walk is right on our doorstep so we walk to the start of Doctor’s Gate, however, there are a number of parking options available in Old Glossop. There is limited on free on-road parking on Shepley Street which leads directly onto Doctor’s Gate. Other options include a free small car park opposite The Wheatsheaf pub in Old Glossop as well as the Manor Park car park.
🌤️ Know Before You Go 🌤️
- Car Park: The Wheatsheaf pub (SK13 7RN)
- What3Words: ///ideal.spindles.february
- Public Transport: Yes – the closest train station is Glossop (approximately 10-minute walk from Old Glossop)
- Elevation Gain: 755 metres
- Terrain: Boggy moorland, good clear paths (Pennine Way), uneven rocky paths
- Public Toilets: Yes – located in Manor Park
- Family Friendly: No. There a steep uneven sections, lots of boggy sections which can be difficult to navigate especially in poor weather
- Dog Friendly: Yes but keep on a lead especially in certain seasons with ground nesting birds
- Scramble Grade: None
- Met Office Mountain Forecasts
- Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS)
🥾 Essential Kit 🥾
- Good quality, well fitting walking boots/shoes
- 20-30L rucksack
- Gloves, hat, neck gaitor/snood
- Map, compass, and head torch (spare batteries)
- Emergency First Aid Kit (foil blanket, whistle, plasters)
- Additional layers of clothing
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- At least 2 litres of water
❄️ Additional Winter Kit ❄️
- Hiking poles with ice fittings
- Waterproof hat and gloves
- Crampons/Ice Axe
- Dry bags
- Extra food and water
- Sun protection
- Emergency shelter such as a survival or bivi bag
- A more comprehensive First Aid Kit
Bleaklow B29 Overexposed via Doctors Gate route description
Stage 1 – Heading to Doctor’s Gate
Starting out at the car park on Shepley Street adjacent to the large factory, start up the Mossey Lea walk, and follow the stony track passing through several gates/stiles. When you reach Yellowslacks Brook, cross the bridge and take a left and continue up the track until you reach a small barn. At the barn, take a right joining the Doctor’s Gate path. The path leads down into the valley before crossing the stream via a footbridge and starting the climb on the other side.
Following a lengthy climb you will join the Pennine Way. Take a left here at the wooden post which points in the direction of Bleaklow, and follow the path; after a while you will reach Alport Low. Here the path swings round to the left and shortly reaches a stream. Cross over, and then after the second crossing shortly after, take the path to your left.
Stage 2 – B-29 Bomber ‘Overexposed’ crash site
This path leads you up to crash site of the B-29 Bomber ‘Overexposed’ that sadly claimed the lives of all 13 crew on board. The site is extremely moving and has remains from the crash such as the nose wheel, wing spars and all four engines. There is also a memorial dedicated to the crew who lost their lives. From the crash site follow the path to the west to the Higher Shelf Stones trig point. Following the path from here towards the north it works its way around and into a fairly steep descent.
After a short while (and weather depending) you will see the path as well as the barn that you left earlier. Continue your descent where you will rejoin the path, head down past the barn and back to the path leading back to the start of the walk.
Where to eat and drink after hiking Bleaklow from Doctor’s Gate
Once back down in Old Glossop there are several food and drink options to choose from. The three main pubs are The Bulls Head, The Queens Arms and The Wheatsheaf. However, there is also the newly refurbished local brewery Distant Hills Brewing which is well worth a visit. As well as a seasonally changing menu, Distant Hill Brewing offer a Sunday roast with your choice of pink tenderloin High Peak beef, slow roasted gammon steak, or sweet potato wellington (v). All come served with lashings of aged gravy, tenderstem broccoli, roasted carrots, fluffy roast potatoes, and indulgent cheesy leek and Yorkshire pudding.
Alternatively Glossop is only a stones throw away and has plenty to offer. Almanac Restaurant & Wine Bar sees chef Luke Payne (of the Michelin-listed, Top 50 Gastropub The Pack Horse in nearby Hayfield) cooking up a delicious range of traditional British sharing plates with a Louisiana twist. Think oysters, mince on dripping toast, fresh fish with buttery curry sauce, and an impossibly light and outrageously wobbly custard tart, with prices around £10 — £28 per dish. The wine and cocktail list are top-notch, and there’s also a vintage absinthe fountain at the bar.
Pics from the peaks: more from Bleaklow B29 Overexposed
