Crash Sites Walking Tour from Glossop, Peak District
Guided Walking in the Peak District
A great walk up Bleaklow and a visit to the B29 Superfortress & Lancaster Bomber crash sites
Maximum group size - 8 people
This walk takes you up a lovely but little visited ridge onto the second highest mountain in the Peak District, Bleaklow. We set off from Old Glossop along the route of an old roman road. Soon we leave the main path and gradually climb up an easy track until which reach Dog Rock providing some fantastic views.
The path becomes much smaller and almost indistinct now as we head across the notoriously difficult to navigate Bleaklow. Having an experienced guide with you means there’s no need to worry! As we continue over Bleaklow the route will be a little rougher in places. There will be great opportunities here to teach you a little about this special and important ecosystem. After a total climb of around 350m (1200ft) we reach the “kissing stones”, a good spot for some lunch.
From here we head we have the option of visiting a second crash site and also taking a look for Mountain Hares before heading over to the site of the 1948 B29 Superfortress plane crash (sadly all 13 crew members died). The plane was on a short journey from Lincolnshire to Burtonwood near Warrington when it hit the top of the hill in low cloud.
To finish the walk we either head to the Pennine Way footpath which we follow towards the Snake Pass road and then turn onto Doctor’s Gate, a late-medieval horse-path which we follow back down to Old Glossop, or alternatively we can take a route passing the crash site of a Lancaster Bomber and continuing down a ridge to Old Glossop.
Walk Details
Meet: Shepley Street, Old Glossop at 08:45 for an 09:00 start
Grade: Fairly Strenuous
Length: 15km/9miles
Height Gain: 430m/1400ft
Price: £49
Terrain
The walk is mostly on a mixture of good tracks and smaller footpaths which can be rough in places and includes 1 fairly long hill. The hill up to Bleaklow is a steady climb of about 350m (1200ft). At any time of year there are likely to be some muddy sections, especially once we start to head up towards Bleaklow with it's peat bogs and we will be leaving the paths for about 1km across rougher ground as we head to the crash site. There is a fairly long gradual descent back down to Glossop.
Recommended Equipment & Clothing
Appropriate walking clothing to keep you warm on the day (no jeans as they can be cold if wet).
Waterproof jacket.
Waterproof trousers.
Spare warm layers (several thinner layers are more versatile than 1 thick).
Walking boots (some areas are rough and uneven so boots that go above the ankle, providing good ankle support, are recommended rather than low cut walking/trail shoes. Boots will also keep your feet drier than walking shoes in boggy/muddy areas). No Trainers.
Warm hat and gloves or sun hat if sunny.
Food, drink and snacks for the day. We will have a couple of food stops whilst out on the hill.
Personal first aid kit (for minor cuts, blisters, sun cream, pain relief and any personal medication).
Rucksack with waterproof liner/bag.
Money for parking and/or cafe
Hand sanitiser and face covering recommended A face mask/covering does not need to be worn, however whilst virus levels remain high it would be recommended in emergency situations to help protect people whilst providing first aid or assistance, or when entering busy cafes and toilet areas.
Optional additions: camera, gaiters and/or walking poles if you have them.