Bleaklow – Boeing RB-29A (USAF)

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 times will vary due to light conditions and will be confirmed on your booking confirmation.

To add to the atmosphere, we want to be not be far off the wreck site around dusk but we will still have the half-hour buffer so 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 – approx 2 hours.

Distance – 3.2 miles.

Trek grade – Easy going along the Pennine way then on to open moorland. On the way to the wreck I will conduct regular ground briefs and head checks. 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 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:

A head torch is essential. Please make sure it works before you arrive and you either have spare batteries or a spare head torch. Head torch is safer so you can keep your hands free. A whistle is required for safety reasons so please ensure you have one attached to you.

On approach to the wreck site (Approximately 100 meters short) I will close you all in for a head check and issue you with a red light marker which will be clipped to your jacket or rucksack and switched on and then we switch head torches off. I will be ahead with a green light marker on my rucksack to guide you to the wreck site and we will do this in complete darkness as it adds to the atmosphere. I will brief you on the story of the aircraft and what happened and only after that point we can switch head torches on so we can have a look around the wreck site. I will take back the light markers then we use head torches for the route back.

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.