Walk the Peaks’ Aviation History Experience
Highlights
A fantastic and unique walking experience which takes you on a number of contrasting walks as you explore this beautiful and wild part of the Peak District National Park and learn about some of the aviation history influenced by this unique landscape including the famous Dambusters of the RAF’s 617 squadron.
Discover hidden aviation secrets in the Peak Districts wildest landscapes
Experience and learn about the area’s nature and conservation with your guide
Enjoy a 2 course lunch at the famous Yorkshire Bridge Inn and see their memorabilia of the Dambusters
7-8 hour experience or half day option
Specially selected to be part of the official English National Park Experience Collection
Main Walk - USAF Boeing B-29 Superfortress
A short drive takes you to Bleaklow, the Peak District's second highest mountain and location of some of its wildest countryside. Here you will have opportunities to learn from your guide about the special moorland ecology and it's conservation. If you have an interest in navigation your guide will happily share some skills and you could even try navigating the group across a section of the notoriously complex Bleaklow moor!
The main crash site is an extensive area of wreckage from a USAF Boeing B-29 Superfortress nick-named “Over Exposed” which crashed on November 3rd 1948. This plane is famous for having filmed the first two Bikini Atoll atom bomb tests in July 1946 and it's involvement in relieving the West Berlin Blockade in 1948.
Lunch & Afternoon Walks
After a drive back to the Yorkshire Bridge Inn, relax and enjoy your “Dambusters” themed two course lunch and view their collection of Dambusters memorabilia.
Suitably refreshed a short drive takes you to Derwent Dam, the famous training location for the RAF’s 617 Dambusters squadron in 1943. Here you will visit the dam, a great place to take photos, and discover more about this ingenious and daring raid. You will also have an opportunity to visit the small visitor centre and gift shop.
To round off the day of aviation history and stunning hikes we head to a nearby hill for sweeping views of the area and a chance to reflect on this piece of history and the part played by the Peak District landscape.
Timings & Location
Available: April to October. Bookings can be considered at other times of the year but itinerary may vary depending on typical weather and daylight hours.
Location: Yorkshire Bridge Inn, Bamford, Derbyshire
Start: 09:00
Finish: 16:30 (times may vary)
Price
Private bespoke tour: £279 total for 1 or 2 people. For groups of 3 or more add £60 each additional person.
Includes 2 course "Dambusters" lunch at the Yorkshire Bridge Inn.
1/2 day private tour: £229 total for 1 or 2 people. For groups of 3 or more add £40 each additional person.
Includes 2 course "Dambusters" lunch at the Yorkshire Bridge Inn.
Available April to October on request. The itinerary of private tours will be tailored for you.
Private tours are ideal for families or groups of up to 8 people.
Difficulty & Terrain
Grade: Moderate (suitable for regular walkers with reasonable degree of fitness)
Total Length: 15km/9miles
Total Height Gain: 450m/1400ft
The three walks are on a mixture of good tracks with some smaller footpaths which are rough in places. The afternoon walk to the viewpoint includes a hill of either 100m or 250m (800ft). At any time of year there are likely to be some wet and muddy sections, especially during the morning walk on Bleaklow with it's peat bogs. We will be leaving the paths for about 2km of walking across rougher ground as we head to the crash site so walking boots providing ankle support and keeping your feet dry are strongly recommended.
Recommended Equipment & Clothing
Appropriate walking clothing to keep you warm on the day (no jeans)
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof trousers (if could be wet)
Spare warm layers (several thinner layers are more versatile than 1 thick)
Walking boots (Some areas are rough and uneven and off paths so boots providing good ankle support recommended rather than low cut walking/trail shoes. Boots will also keep your feet drier than walking shoes in boggy area.) 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 etc and any personal medication)
Rucksack with waterproof liner/bag
Money for optional visit to gift shop/cafe or other additional purchases
Optional additions: gaiters and/or walking poles if you use them
Advanced booking required for all trips.
Transport to each of the walk locations is not included. It is expected that people/groups will have their own transport. If you require assistance with transport please let us know.
This experience is not suitable for children under 13 years. Children under 18 years must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
For safety & insurance reasons clients are requested not to drink alcohol until after the tour finishes, when we return to the Yorkshire Bridge Inn.