B29 OVEREXPOSED Crash Site
Sightseeing attraction | Glossop | England | United Kingdom
The "B29 OVEREXPOSED Crash Site" in Glossop, England, is an extraordinary and moving attraction in the Peak District National Park that attracts both history enthusiasts and hikers. This crash site of an American B-29 Superfortress aircraft, nicknamed "Over Exposed," is located on the Bleaklow Moors, a high-altitude moorland about four miles east of Glossop. The site is a quiet memorial where the remains of the aircraft, which crashed on November 3, 1948, are scattered over a large area, along with a plaque commemorating the 13 crew members who lost their lives in the accident.
The history of the crash began on a bleak autumn day in 1948 when the B-29, belonging to the 16th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron of the US Air Force, was conducting a routine flight from RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire to the American airbase at Burtonwood near Warrington. The aircraft, originally a bomber from World War II, had been converted for photographic reconnaissance purposes and had already gained historical significance as it was used in the 1946 atomic tests on Bikini Atoll – an event that earned it the nickname "Over Exposed." On that November day, dense fog covered the Pennines, and visibility was nearly zero. The crew, estimating their position based solely on flight time, believed they had already flown over the hills and began their descent. At around 11 a.m., the aircraft crashed at high speed on the Bleaklow Plateau, approximately 610 meters above sea level, and immediately burst into flames. All 11 crew members and two additional military passengers perished. An RAF rescue team, coincidentally conducting an exercise nearby, reached the site shortly after impact but could only confirm the occupants' deaths.
The crash site itself is impressive and poignant. Wreckage such as parts of the fuselage, wings, wheels, Duplex Cyclone engines, and even gun mounts are scattered over an area of several hundred meters. Despite over 70 years having passed since the accident, many of these remnants are remarkably well-preserved, thanks to the remote and rugged nature of the moorland, which has minimized human interference and weathering. In 1988, on the 40th anniversary of the crash, the Royal Air Force Finningley erected a plaque with the inscription: "Here lies the wreckage of the B-29 Superfortress 'Over Exposed' ... which crashed on 3 November 1948 killing all 13 crew members. It is doubtful if the crew ever saw the ground." This plaque, often accompanied by small tributes such as poppies or an unofficial US flag, makes the site a silent memorial.
Access to the "B29 OVEREXPOSED Crash Site" is typically via a hiking trail branching off from the nearby Snake Pass, a main road through the Peak District. The most popular route starts along the Pennine Way, a famous long-distance footpath, and leads approximately three to six kilometers – depending on the starting point – to the crash site. The trail is relatively flat but can be treacherous as the Bleaklow Moors are a marshy, peat-covered terrain that can be difficult to navigate in rain or fog. Hikers should be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the exposed height of the plateau can quickly reduce visibility and make the paths muddy. The path initially crosses the moorland and then turns towards Higher Shelf Stones, a prominent point with a trigonometric survey point, from where the wreckage suddenly comes into view. The atmosphere on site is quiet and contemplative, marked by the solitude of the landscape and the tragedy of the event.
The surroundings of the crash site are equally remarkable. The Bleaklow Moors are a protected area within the Peak District, known for their vast open spaces of heather and peat, which bloom in purple in late summer. From Higher Shelf Stones, there is a magnificent view over the valleys to Manchester on clear days, making the hike rewarding for nature lovers as well. The crash site is located at a height that makes it difficult to access, contributing to the preservation of the wreck – a silent contrast to the busy world below.
The "B29 OVEREXPOSED Crash Site" is more than just a historical site; it is a memorial that prompts reflection on the dangers of war and the fragility of human life. For many visitors, the hike there is a kind of pilgrimage that requires respect and contemplation. It is expected that the remains are not disturbed or taken as souvenirs, as they are considered a memorial. The combination of historical significance, the challenge of the hike, and the rugged beauty of the landscape make this site a unique attraction that touches both the heart and mind.
In summary, the "B29 OVEREXPOSED Crash Site" in Glossop offers an impressive blend of history and nature experience. It tells the tragic story of a plane crash, preserves the memory of the lives lost, and is located in one of England's wildest landscapes. For visitors to the Peak District, it is a must-see – a place that leaves a lasting impact through its silence and relics.
