B29 ‘Overexposed’ crash site walk, Bleaklow (6km, circular): including Higher Shelf trig point

B29 crash site walk

On 3rd November 1948, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress (American bomber) called Overexposed crashed into the Peak District moorlands, near Higher Shelf Stones on Bleaklow. Part of the 16th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, used for military photography, the plane crashed due to a fatal navigation error in poor visibility. All thirteen crew members lost their lives. Much of the wreckage remains on the moors as a memorial and an official plaque has been erected.

Where is the B29 crash site?

This walk leads you to the B29 crash site from Snake Pass Summit and also takes in Higher Shelf trig point. The crash site itself is a lonely and sombre place. Please be respectful, do not allow your children to climb or play on the wreckage and please do take all rubbish home with you.

⚠️ A word of warning ⚠️

Only attempt this walk on a clear day. Many of the footpaths over the moor between the Pennine Way and Higher Shelf Stones are unclear and there are multiple options. It can be rather disorientating and in poor visibility it is very easy to get lost. The boggy tracks add to the difficulty.

It is extremely exposed on this walk. On hot, sunny days there is no shade, in the winter months the temperature drops, and you can often experience four seasons in one day. Wear appropriate clothing, including sturdy footwear, and bring enough water.

This is also a very popular Peak District walk and parking is limited. Aim to arrive before 9:30am on weekend and holiday days to secure a parking spot. Do not park behind the double yellow lines, you will be ticketed.

Finally, there are no facilities whatsoever on this walk. No toilets, no café. Please find all food and drink with you, and take all rubbish home with you.

When planning your visit to the National Park, please arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds if visiting over sunny weekends or school holidays. Please also take all litter home with you, don’t bring BBQs, and park your car in designated parking areas. Also, please use these walks as a guide; access and stiles may change.

PARKING INFORMATION: Please do not rely solely on the postcode for parking directions. In the National Park, a postcode can cover a large area. Postcodes are only provided as guidance. Please either use the Google Maps point or what3words, which are provided on every walk guide.

Map of B29 ‘Overexposed’ Crash Site walk

On all Peak District family walks it’s a good idea to have an Ordnance Survey paper map with you, even if you have your phone on you. For this walk you need the OS Explorer Map OL 01 (Dark Peak). It’s also a good opportunity to show young kids the map features and get them started with map reading.

This B29 crash site walk follows the below map in a clockwise direction.

B29 crash site walk map
© Crown copyright 2025 OS AC0000861980

Get a printable download of this walk

Want to print off this walk guide rather than rely on your mobile? Then click here to download the PDF to print out at home. Perhaps print out a copy for the kids to follow the step-by-step directions and/or photos? It’s a great way to get them engaged with the walk and gives them a sense of responsibility.

All printable downloads are £2.50 each. Click here for the full list of Peak District Kids printable downloads.

Please note that your download link expires 72 hours from order, so make sure you save your PDF somewhere where you’ll remember it. If you are unsure where your download folder is on your mobile device, we recommend you download the PDF on your laptop or desktop.

Need to know

road side parking for B29 crash site
B29 crash site walk parking

The route

1. Walk along the Pennine Way, next to the bus stop sign. This is a nice, even path. Walk through a wooden gate after 70 metres with a sign for Hope Woodlands Moor. As you continue ahead you can see the skyscrapers of Manchester to the left of you on a clear day. 

2. After 460 metres from the road, you will meet footpaths crossing. Turn left. The footpath along here is rocky, as well as some muddy and boggy sections. A good opportunity to play The Floor is Lava

3. At the cairn (big pile of rocks) 250 metres along, take the footpath on your right. Down in the valley on your left (Crooked Clough) is a ribbon of waterfalls. Continue along this footpath for 1km.

4. When the path meets the ford, cross over and follow the footpath the other side. This crossing is exceptionally muddy and boggy. Take care! 

B29 crash site walk

5. Walk ahead veering slightly left and cross another ford. Then follow the footpath straight ahead. The footpaths here aren’t very obvious, but just keep walking uphill. Having the OS mapping app is handy here to follow the GPS arrow. When the trig point comes into view, make a beeline for it. This is Higher Shelf Stones trig point.

6. Take in the views across the moors and over to Manchester. Kids will want to play on the boulders with engravings to the left of the trig point. 

7. To get to the B29 crash site, walk back to Higher Shelf Stones trig point, away from the engraved boulders. Then continue walking ahead to then follow the wide footpath that veers to the right. You will spot the first signs of the B29 wreckage after 200 metres along here. Please be respectful, do not allow your kids to play on the wreckage and please do not take any of the wreckage home with you.

B29 crash site walk

8. Follow the wreckage down along the footpath. Whilst this footpath isn’t marked on the OS Maps, this is Open Access Land and the footpath is very obvious. 

B29 crash site walk

9. Before the scenery opens up, take a left. Keep on this footpath, until you reach the Pennine Way. Lots of different footpaths cross the moors here as walkers try to find a less boggy route. It can be quite disorientating, but the footpaths in this direction do lead to the Pennine Way, so don’t worry too much if you’re not on the ‘right’ path. On a clear day you can see where other hikers are coming from (a reason not to do this walk on a day with poor visibility).

B29 crash site walk

10. When you meet the Pennine Way (a much more obvious footpath), take a right and follow the waymarked concrete and wooden pillars.

11. This then leads onto a flagstone path. Follow this path to the cairn (pile of rocks) and veer right. Then continue all the way back to Snake Pass (you will be able to see your car on a clear day).


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Want more ideas for family walks?
Best Family Walks in the Peak District
Pram Friendly Peak District walks
Toddler walks in the Peak District

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