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. 

Book Walk the Peaks Aviation History Experience, part of the English National Parks 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.

Stunning views and scenery during the Walk the Peaks Aviation History Experience
Short-eared owl one of the many birds often seen during the Walk the Peaks Aviation History Experience
USAF Boeing B-29 Superfortress "Overexposed" visiting during the Walk the Peaks Aviation History Experience

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.

The Yorkshire Bridge Inn, starting point for the hikes
RAF 617 squadron Lancaster Bomber flying over Derwent Dam, training location for the Dambusters mission
Bamford Edge providing stunning views of Ladybower Reservoir

Timings & Location

Price

Includes 2 course "Dambusters" lunch at the Yorkshire Bridge Inn. 

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

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

Optional additions: gaiters and/or walking poles if you use them

Any questions please email  info@myguidedwalks.co.uk or call me on +44 (0)7928677626

Advanced booking required for all trips.