This video is slightly different to my usual videos. I wanted to make a cinematic video in memory of the 13 who sadly lost their lives in the crash. Please remember to click the subscribe button to support my channel free.
Check out my other videos below
Dark Peak Expedition:
200 mile Charity Bikepacking:
Part 2:
Higger Tor:
Creswell Crags 4k Tour:
Bikepacking Budget Gear:
About the hike today
One of the most evocative locations in the Peak District is the site of the crash of the Boeing RB-29 Superfortress “Over Exposed”. The wreckage covers a wide area and is a well known feature for hikers on the Pennine Way in the Peaks, though hidden from view until you almost stumble upon it on the way to Higher Shelf Stones.
The easiest way to find the crash site is to follow the Penine Way North from the A57 Snake Pass (SK088929). There are laybys at either side of the road but take care when parking as the road surface is significantly higher than the gravel parking areas and some cars may ground. Follow the Pennine Way until it crosses Hern Clough at SK097947, from here head West towards the trigpoint on Higher Shelf Stones at SK089948. Before you reach the trigpoint you will encounter the crash site.
Bleaklow is usually wet, even in the driest of years so make sure you’re prepared for this. Most of the Pennine Way is paved until you approach Hern Clough but from then on, particularly as you head west across the boggy moor you will get your boots wet.
The Aircraft
Over Exposed was a reconnaissance RB-29 version of the famous Boeing B29 Superfortress bomber. The aircraft was one of the largest to fly during WWII and saw service into the Korean war with the US and other airforces. The B-29 was rushed out at the end of the war to be used as part of the invasion of the Japanese mainland where intense bombing of Japanese cities became seen as the only way to prevent huge casualties amongst the planned invading forces.
The B-29 has the dubious distinction of being the only aircraft ever to have dropped nuclear weapons in combat (“Enola Gay” on Hiroshima and “Bockscar” on Nagasaki).
The reason for the aircraft’s crash is a little mysterious due to the sudden and catastrophic nature of its impact with the moor. On 3 November 1948 it took off from RAF Scampton bound for RAF Burtonwood carrying wages and 2 or three passengers not part of the aircraft’s normal compliment. About 30 minutes before landing the pilot seems to have chosen to descend, the result of which was to crash the plane directly into the hillside at several hundred miles per hour.
Sadly all 13 lives were lost.
AloJapan.com