Bleaklow – 3 Wrecks

AVRO Lancaster Bomber (RCAF) – 18/05/1945
AVRO Lancaster KB993/EQ-U, 408 Squadron, RCAF was on circuit flying practice when they became lost and crashed into the hills above Glossop killing all 6 crew on board.

Douglas C47 (USAAF) – 24/07/1945
Douglas C-47A, 42-108982, 32nd TCS/314th TCG, USAAF was on an admin flight from Leicester heading for Glasgow when it struck the ground while flying in poor weather killing all 7 crew on board.

Boeing RB-29A (USAF) – 03/11/1948
Boeing RB-29A, 44-61999, 16th PRS/91st RG, USAF was on a cross country flight from RAF Scampton heading for USAF Burtonwood when it struck the ground while in low cloud killing all 13 crew on board.

Start point – Meeting location is on the A57 snake pass. Please see map below or view Google Map.
The nearest postcode is S33 0AB but please be aware this will take you past the parking area which is on the crest of the hill before it descends. The parking area is a lay-by you can use either side. Caution A57 Snake pass is a very busy road so please ensure that you think of your safety at all times. I will be waiting for you at the gate about 30 meters from the road so we can meet and brief in safety. I can be identified with a lime green hat.

Meeting time – 0900 and depart for the trek at 0930, this will give late arrivals time to prepare. I will then conduct a head check, safety brief, weather update and route description then answer any questions.

Finish point – Same as start point.

Ground in general – From the car parking area we will be using part of the Pennine way then across open moorland with deep peat troughs and rocky areas. Some steep slopes and boggy areas to be crossed also that are dissected by some small streams.

Duration – Up to half a day.

Distance – 4.4 miles.

Trek grade – Moderate going along the Pennine way then on to open moorland. After each wreck I will conduct another ground brief using a ground description if the weather permits me to do so. If not no problem as I can still brief you without looking at the ground we need to cover. The area of Bleaklow is exposed and the weather can change at a moment’s notice so it is very important to be prepared with the correct kit and equipment. The wind speeds can be quite high so I can adjust the trek route as and if required. The beauty about this trek is that you start at height so there isn’t that much altitude to be gained.

Points to note –  Bleaklow is within the flight path to Manchester airport so you will see lots of low flying aircraft starting their approach. This is also within the area of MOD low flying area 8 so if we are lucky we could get buzzed by some fast jets so make sure you’re ready as they come through fast, low and very loud, a great experience if you have not witnessed it before so fingers crossed.