Kinder Scout – 3 Wrecks

F86 Sabres (RAF) – 22/07/1954
North American F86 Sabres XD707 & XD730, 66 Squadron RAF was returning back to RAF Linton-on-Ouse near York after conducting an intercept exercise when it was believed the 2 aircraft either had a mid air collision or they both hit the Plateau of Kinder Scout resulting in both pilots been killed.

Consolidated B-24J (USAAF) – 11/10/1944
Consolidated B-24J, 42-52003, 310th Fy Squadron/ 27th ATG USAAF was been ferried from USAF base Burtonwood near Warrington to a base near Norwich when the aircraft crashed into the hillside not long after takeoff. Both crew members survived.

Start point – If you are coming from Glossop Side Head up the A624 towards Hayfield. As you are heading up you will see a large lay-by on the left-hand side which approx 250 before the crest. The layby is the meeting point at the bottom end next to the stile.

If you are coming from Hayfield as you crest on the A624 head down hill for approx 250 meters and you will see the lay-by on the right.

Postcode for the general area is SK13 6JY. Please see map below or view Google Map.

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 climbing a stile then out onto open moorland. Some steep slopes to be navigated and boggy areas to be crossed also that are dissected by some small streams.

Duration – up to half a day.

Distance – 5.7 miles.

Trek grade – Moderate going on open moorland with good paths in areas. 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 Kinder scout 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.  You do start at height but there are some climbs to negotiate but on a well maintained path. A descent to the final wreck is steep but it is on grass. If people are concerned about the trek gradient we can adjust to suit so we climb the slope that is grass and then come down the well-maintained path. Not a problem either way.

Points to note – Kinder Scout is under the flight path to Manchester airport so you will see lots of low flying aircraft starting their approach to the airport. 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.