Hike – Peak District – Overexposed Plane Crash Site

Hike – Peak District – Overexposed Plane Crash Site

Price

Members: £5

Non Members: £20

Concessionary: £5

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Fast Route Facts

Length: 9.5 miles 

Elevation: 1795ft

Start/ Finish Point: Dropped Pin · Apple Maps

Time: 6.5 hours

Route Type: Footpaths & Open Moorland

Technical Difficulty: Hard

Parking Costs: Free

This takes a strong level of fitness and needs to be completed in about 6.5 hours due to the over 1795 feet of ascent and 9.5 miles of varied terrain. This route passes through some beautiful terrain and offers breath taking views from the summit.

On this walk we will visit and explore the wreckage of a former aeroplane crash site known as the “Bleaklow Bomber” which is located just beyond Greater Manchester’s boundaries, concealed on the hills above Glossop. The US Air Force aircraft, known as “Over Exposed,” crashed here in 1948, and today, much of the debris is still dispersed across the moors of Bleaklow, along with a moving memorial plaque.

Many residents and visitors are utterly unaware that the Peak District is also home to this historical monument, despite the fact that it is well known for its extensive collection of outdoor delights to explore. 

After a lunch stop (and trigpoint shots) we will make our way to Higher Shelf Stones where we will take in more breathtaking Dark Peak sceneries before making our way downhill and back to the car park whilst taking in more valleys, rivers, and waterfalls to keep our cameras active.

Route Description

We will walk in a south easterly direction along the Doctors Gate footpath starting at Mossy Lea Farm going uphill until we reach the Pennine Way. From here we will walk along Pennine Way in a north easterly direction towards Hern Clough and then Bleaklow Head. 

When we have reached Bleaklow Head we will head south for 0.5km, then east for 0.5km and then head directly south for 2km towards the trig point at Higher Shelf Stones. From this point we will head in a south easterly direction towards Crooked Clough and around the top of the gully we will re-join the Doctors Gate footpath heading downhill the way we came.

What do I need to bring with me?

Walking boots: waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support

Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and prevent blisters 

Water: Bring at least 1 litre of water

Medication: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor aliments etc

Day Rucksack: something comfortable to wear, 20 litres+

Waterproof bags: keep spare clothing, electronics and anything else dry even when your rucksack leaks by using ziploc type food bags or outdoor activity waterproof bags.

Comfortable clothing: bring layers to let you adapt quickly to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (t-shirt) and a mid layer (micro fleece) and outer layer (jacket)

Trousers: no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry. On a warm day shorts are ok.

Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.

Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example. Put them in an easy reach area. 

Packed lunch: bring a pack lunch unless otherwise stated

Hat or cap: stay warm in the winter and shaded in the summer

Gloves: weather dependant 

Sunscreen: can be useful even on cloudy days

Dogs

Well behaved dogs are more than welcome, there may be livestock around so they may need to stay on the leads for parts of it.

Terms & Conditions

By booking or participating in a trip or event with us you are agreeing to the Women Outdoors Terms and Conditions Terms & Conditions – Women Outdoors (womenoutdoorsuk.com)