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▶B-29 ‘Overexposed’ Crash Site Memorial
Historic 1948 US Air Force bomber crash site on remote moorland; solemn memorial and challenging hike.
Loop/Out-and-back (multiple route options)
About
The wreckage of a B-29 Superfortress that crashed in 1948 remains scattered across Bleaklow Moor, marked by a memorial to its 13 crew members.
The B-29 Superfortress ‘Overexposed’ crashed on Bleaklow Moor on 3 November 1948, killing all 13 crew members.
Today, large sections of the fuselage, engines, wheels and other wreckage remain scattered across the peat moorland, surrounded by a memorial erected by RAF Finningley in 1988. The site is a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the fragility of aviation in its early era. Access is via moorland walks starting from Old Glossop or Snake Pass; the terrain is typically boggy and exposed. This is a sensitive memorial site requiring respectful visitation.
Why go
- Visit a poignant WWII memorial where a US Air Force B-29 reconnaissance bomber crashed in 1948.
- Large sections of fuselage, engines and wreckage remain in situ on the exposed moorland.
- Spectacular views across Manchester and the Peak District plateau from Higher Shelf Stones.
- Challenging moorland terrain with exposure to dramatic weather changes.
- The remote location on peat moorland and the eerie quietness create a deeply moving experience.
Before you go
- Shortest route via Pennine Way from Snake Pass summit; includes views to Manchester; terrain is boggy moorland with exposure to dramatic weather changes
- Sections waterlogged and boggy during wet months; exposed moorland can be dangerous in bad weather; avoid in poor visibility or storms
- Not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.
The route
Full route
Map
Open mapReviews
Read all 5Nice place to visit during my 12 miles walk through this beautiful area. I really like the fact people have respect for this crash site and keep the airplane body part untouched. It should be like this so other generations can witness and enjoy this place too!
Perfect hiking weather for a memorable trail! > We had a beautiful, sunny day for this hike. The scenery along the way—especially walking through the green valley—was stunning. Reaching the B-29 crash site on Bleaklow is incredibly surreal; seeing the wreckage still scattered across the moorland gives you pause. The memorial plaque honors the 13 U.S. Air Force crew members who tragically lost their lives here in heavy fog on November 3, 1948. It’s a poignant piece of history combined with a fantastic outdoor walk. Highly recommended!
Tips
0What is the B-29 'Overexposed' crash site?+
It is the wreckage site of a B-29 Superfortress bomber that crashed on Bleaklow Moor on 3 November 1948, killing all 13 crew members. Large sections of the fuselage, engines, wheels and other debris remain scattered across the moorland, alongside a memorial erected by RAF Finningley in 1988.
How do I get to the crash site?+
The site is reached via moorland walks starting from either Old Glossop or Snake Pass. The destination is Higher Shelf Stones on Bleaklow Moor in the Peak District National Park.
Is it a difficult walk to the crash site?+
Yes, the terrain is challenging, the moorland is typically boggy, exposed and can be very muddy when wet, so sturdy waterproof footwear is strongly recommended.
Featured in
1 guide
Showing the start and the waymarked paths nearby. The route line is added with a GPX file.
Shortest route via Pennine Way from Snake Pass summit; includes views to Manchester; terrain is boggy moorland with exposure to dramatic weather changes
Full circuit from Glossop village via Crooked Clough and Bleaklow Head; challenging moorland hike with steep sections; recommended anti-clockwise; parts very boggy and navigation difficult in poor visibility
Trail details
- Route typeLoop/Out-and-back (multiple route options)
- Terrainmoorland, peat, gritstone, boggy ground
- Best seasonSpring, Summer, Autumn
- Dog friendlyYes
- Buggy or wheelchairNot suitable
Sections waterlogged and boggy during wet months; exposed moorland can be dangerous in bad weather; avoid in poor visibility or storms
Getting there
- ParkingSnake Pass Road (A57) or Old Glossop car parks
- Parking costFree (Snake Pass); free on-street parking in Old Glossop (SK13 7SH, limited spaces)
- PostcodeSK13 7SH
Features
Getting there
- ParkingSnake Pass Road (A57) or Old Glossop car parks
- Parking costFree (Snake Pass); free on-street parking in Old Glossop (SK13 7SH, limited spaces)
- PostcodeSK13 7SH
Reviews
5 on GoogleNice place to visit during my 12 miles walk through this beautiful area. I really like the fact people have respect for this crash site and keep the airplane body part untouched. It should be like this so other generations can witness and enjoy this place too!
Perfect hiking weather for a memorable trail! > We had a beautiful, sunny day for this hike. The scenery along the way—especially walking through the green valley—was stunning. Reaching the B-29 crash site on Bleaklow is incredibly surreal; seeing the wreckage still scattered across the moorland gives you pause. The memorial plaque honors the 13 U.S. Air Force crew members who tragically lost their lives here in heavy fog on November 3, 1948. It’s a poignant piece of history combined with a fantastic outdoor walk. Highly recommended!
An hours hike from the Snake Pass over wild moorland. This is a memorial site to the US aircrew who died when their B-29 Superfortress crashed into the moorland in 1948. It is not a playground or a place to collect souvenirs...visitors should treat it with respect. Weather can change quickly up on these moors & visitors should understand this & be equipped correctly. An eerie memorial in the middle of nowhere, having visited since I was a small child, its obvioys that wreckage has been moved and removed by macabre trophy hunters...if you visit, like all the moorland, please don't touch and leave only your footprints.
I did this as a spur of the moment thing I've always wanted to visit but hadnt planned it and was just driving through so gave it a go. A few tips. Plan it and pack accordingly. It's not signposted so youll either have to use a map or go with someone who knows the way. Maybe you can follow people too but that isn't guaranteed I saw two people in the space of 2 hours and they weren't even going to the crash site. I used Google maps which led me to it offline as you don't get any signal which brings me on to my next tip which is pretty important. You don't get phone reception on most of the journey if not all of it ( well I didn't with EE ). This means your phone and if you have a cellular watch are going to be continuously looking for a tower to ping which absolutely hammers your battery. Along with the cold this will cause your battery to drain super quickly. Both my phone and watch died on me and went from 50% to 0% in the space of about 10 mins as I was using Google maps too. On the way back I got completely lost due to not having anything to refer to and as you can see from my pictures probably the worse day to go in terms of visibility. Pack a battery pack and take a paper map and compass as a back up especially if you are going on your own and it's your first time. It was by absolute luck I managed remember a few landmarks and make my way back to a path to lead me back to the Snake pass. Wear appropriate boots for the weather. Dont be put off I'm just trying to help others not make the mistake of going under prepared which I did. It's absolutely amazing when you find it and worth the journey as you'll struggle to find anything remotely like this situated in it's final rest place which you can just walk to and find on your own.
A good hike . We reached the site via Dowstone Clough trial then returned via Doctors Gate route. The memorial site itself is a little eerie especially when the mist closes in . ( which can occur very quickly even on a good day) . The Dowstone Clough route to the site is steep in parts but with some wonderful views .
Tips
0Questions
7What is the B-29 'Overexposed' crash site?+
It is the wreckage site of a B-29 Superfortress bomber that crashed on Bleaklow Moor on 3 November 1948, killing all 13 crew members. Large sections of the fuselage, engines, wheels and other debris remain scattered across the moorland, alongside a memorial erected by RAF Finningley in 1988.
How do I get to the crash site?+
The site is reached via moorland walks starting from either Old Glossop or Snake Pass. The destination is Higher Shelf Stones on Bleaklow Moor in the Peak District National Park.
Is it a difficult walk to the crash site?+
Yes, the terrain is challenging, the moorland is typically boggy, exposed and can be very muddy when wet, so sturdy waterproof footwear is strongly recommended.
Is there a waymarked route to follow?+
No, several visitors report the route is not well signposted and crosses featureless open moorland with no clear path in places. A map, compass or GPS and solid navigation skills are strongly recommended, especially in poor visibility.
Is it free to visit?+
Yes, there is no admission charge to visit the crash site memorial.
Can I bring my dog?+
Dogs are commonly brought by visitors on this walk, though there is no official pet policy for this open moorland site. Keep them under control given the boggy terrain, and be respectful given it is a war memorial.
How should I behave when visiting the crash site?+
The site is a sensitive memorial to 13 people who lost their lives, so visitors are asked to be respectful and considerate at all times. Please do not remove or disturb any wreckage.