Right on the edge of Greater Manchester, tucked high above Glossop’s rolling hills, you’ll find the haunting remains of a historic crash site known as the Bleaklow Bomber ✈️
The Peak District gets all the hype for its epic views and outdoor adventures, but loads of locals and visitors still have no idea this powerful piece of history rests right here among the moors.
Back in 1948, a US Air Force aircraft nicknamed “Over Exposed” went down on these hills, and today large sections of the wreckage still lie scattered across Bleaklow, alongside a moving memorial plaque that honors those on board.
What is the ‘Bleaklow Bomber’?
The Bleaklow Bomber was a B-29 Superfortress, one of the biggest and most powerful aircraft flying during World War II.
Most B-29s were built for high-altitude bombing missions, which explains the “Bomber” name, but this particular aircraft had a different role and flew as a reconnaissance plane focused on aerial photography.
In 1946, the crew gave it the nickname “Over Exposed” after it carried out a major assignment capturing images of the US nuclear testing operations in the Marshall Islands 📸
Codenamed Operation Crossroads, this mission aimed to study how nuclear weapons would affect warships. ⚡
It was a landmark moment, being the first nuclear test since the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in August 1945, and it carried huge significance for military research at the time.
How did the B-29 ‘OVEREXPOSED’ crash?
The aircraft nicknamed “Over Exposed” plummeted from the sky on 3rd November 1948, crashing onto the Bleaklow moorlands near Glossop during a routine flight from RAF Scrampton in Lincoln to the US Base near Warrington ✈️
Although B-29 engines were known for being prone to fires and failures during the bombing campaigns over Japan in 1944-1945, mechanical issues weren’t behind the Bleaklow crash.
Heavy clouds blocked the crew’s vision, and relying only on flight time, they believed they had passed the hills and chose to descend.
At around 11:00am, the aircraft slammed into the ground, bursting into flames and tragically claiming the lives of all 11 crew members and 2 military passengers 💔
Where is the Bleaklow Bomber plane crash site?
There are a few routes to reach the crash site, but the simplest is the Snake Pass walk 🌄
Snake Pass runs through the Peak District along the A57, stretching from Ladybower Reservoir to Glossop.
From there, it’s about a 2-mile (3.2 km) hike up to the plane wreckage. Just follow the trail up the hillside and keep an eye on the signposts pointing to the crash site.
In memory of the Bleaklow Bomber
Reaching the top of the hill, the world suddenly feels hushed, as if time itself pauses 🌫️
The aircraft wreckage exudes a powerful sense of memory and reflection. Standing by the site, the memorial plaque reads:
“Here lies the wreckage of B-29 Superfortress ‘Over Exposed’ of the 16th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron USAF, which tragically crashed while descending through cloud on 3rd November 1948, killing all 13 crew members. The aircraft was on a routine flight from RAF Scampton to American AFB Burtonwood. It is doubtful the crew ever saw the ground. Memorial laid by 367 Air Navigation Course of RAF Finningley on November 12th 1988.”
Top tip: If you fancy extending your hike, don’t miss the higher and lower ‘shelf stones’—just a short stroll further up the hill from the Bleaklow Bomber crash site 🪨
Where do I park for the Bleaklow plane crash?
The best place to park is the free lay-by near Pennine Way on the A57, right at the start of Snake Pass 🚗
Get there early though, as it fills up fast during busy times. The postcode for this spot is SK13 7PQ.
How difficult is the walk to the Bleaklow plane crash site?
The Snake Pass trail is well-marked and maintained, making the hike up and back manageable for most walkers 🌿
On our last trip, we took one of the connecting trails, improvising a circular route that turned out trickier—and much boggier—than we expected 🌞
Luckily, the sun was shining; in wet or poor weather, this route would have been far more challenging.
Local mountain rescue teams warn that winter visits can be risky, as they’ve had to assist walkers who weren’t fully prepared ❄️
Bleaklow Head rises to 633 metres, making it Derbyshire’s second-highest point. Weather here can shift in an instant, so packing the right clothing and knowing your route is essential.
Patch Haley, leader of Glossop Mountain Rescue, advises winter walkers to “bring food, water, a torch, and a map and compass—and make sure you know how to use them.”
Before heading out, check the Snake Pass BBC forecast to stay ahead of the weather.
More Bleaklow Bomber Crash Site walk routes
While the route above is the quickest way to reach the Bleaklow Bomber crash site, there are some alternative walks that are definitely worth exploring 🥾
For seasoned hikers looking to turn the trip into a full day adventure, consider the 11-mile circular trail starting from Old Glossop.
Old Glossop and Bleaklow Head Circular
This trail is tough but incredibly rewarding, showcasing much of the local scenery. Along the way, you’ll pass the Higher Shelf Stones and James’s Thorn before reaching the Bleaklow crash site. From there, the route takes you down to Old Glossop via Cock Hill 🌄
With stunning panoramas at every turn and plenty of leg-burning stretches, finishing in Old Glossop means you can treat yourself to some well-earned food and drink afterwards!
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