Kinder Scout from Hayfield – 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 – Sportsmans pub (SK22 2LE). Please park just past the pub on the left. There is an option to go to the pub for refreshments after the trek. If you wish to do this please let me know in advance so I can book a table. Be aware of the single yellow line past the houses as the parking is well policed around here. 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 and answer any questions.

Finish point – Same as start point.

Ground in general – From the car parking area will be following the route of the mass trespass of 1932 up onto the top of Kinder Scout. We will be following the stream up to the Pennine way then across open moorland which is boggy in places. We have a steep ascent and descent at a couple of points.

Duration – up to 5 hours

Distance – 7.5 miles

Trek grade – Challenging up to Kinder plateau and steep ground from wreck 2 to wreck 3 but this is on grass not rocks or crags.

After each wreck I will conduct another ground brief using a ground description if the weather permits me to do that but if not no problem I still know this area and can brief you without looking at the area 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 quiet high so I can adjust the trek route as and if required.  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 your ready as they come through fast, low and very loud, a great experience if you have not witnessed it before so fingers crossed.