Image shared for Old Glossop and Bleaklow Head Circular with B-29 Crash Site
Upland / Hill Circular

Old Glossop and Bleaklow Head Circular with B-29 Crash Site

Derbyshire

Distance
10.8 mi
Est. time
5h 30m
Difficulty
Hard
Put a date on this walk View route
PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

A wild and atmospheric loop starting from Old Glossop, climbing through Crooked Clough to Higher Shelf Stones and Bleaklow Head. It’s a proper Dark Peak experience—peat bogs, gritstone edges, big skies—and it doesn’t pull its punches.

The route includes a sobering stop at the wreckage of a US Air Force B-29 Superfortress that crashed here in 1948, killing all 13 crew. Wreckage is still scattered across the moor, with a memorial erected by the RAF in the '80s. It’s a powerful moment in an otherwise desolate landscape.

Expect steep climbs, very boggy ground, and long stretches with little to no path—navigation skills and good boots essential. When it’s clear, the views from Bleaklow stretch across Manchester and even into Wales.

Dogs are welcome but must be on leads, especially during nesting season (March–July). This one’s best tackled in decent weather.

Not for beginners. But if you're after grit, ghosts, and grandeur—this’ll do it. Spare a moment for the crew.

Walk details

County
Derbyshire
Main location
Old Glossop
Hill
Bleaklow Head
Nearby town
Old Glossop
Walk type
Circular
Category
Upland / Hill
Distance
10.8 mi (17.4 km)
Est. time
5h 30m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

Route map

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Where to start

Directions to start
///epidemics.retain.trek

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Along the route

8 places
Guidepost
Navigation · 1.5 mi along
Higher Shelf Stones
Peak · 4.4 mi along
James's Thorn
Peak · 5.1 mi along
Hern Stones
Rock Formation · 6.1 mi along
Wain Stones
Rock Formation · 6.4 mi along
Glossop Low Cabin
Ruins · 8.7 mi along
Coriander Curry House
Restaurant · 10.7 mi along
Parking
Essentials · 10.8 mi along

Joining a walk

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Can I walk this route on my own?

Yes. Choose Walk this route on your own to open the start screen, then start when you are ready. Finish the walk to add it to your walking history. You do not need a group date.

What happens after I join?

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How do I confirm plans with the group?

Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.