This short but rewarding walk in the Dark Peak combines a proper summit with one of the most poignant sites in the Peak District: the B29 Superfortress plane crash on Bleaklow. At 621 metres, Higher Shelf Stones is the third-highest point in the Peak District National Park and, unlike Kinder Scout or Bleaklow, it has a clearly defined summit marked by a trig point. On a clear day, the views stretch endlessly across the moors, but this landscape also demands respect.
The walk starts from Snake Pass (A57), where there are a few free lay-bys. Parking is limited, especially on weekends, and some sections now have double yellow lines, so take care to park legally. From here, you follow a quieter path away from the road, gradually climbing across open moorland. The terrain is exposed and can feel wild very quickly, with little shelter and few obvious landmarks once you’re up high.
After reaching the summit of Higher Shelf Stones, the route heads toward the Bleaklow plane crash site. This is where navigation becomes trickier. The paths are often just faint tracks across flat, featureless moorland, and in fog or poor visibility it’s very easy to lose your bearings. A map, GPS, or GPX file is strongly recommended, and this is not a walk to underestimate in bad weather. The ground can also be muddy year-round, even in summer.
The crash site itself is deeply moving. Scattered wreckage marks the spot where a B29 Superfortress came down, with a memorial remembering the 13 people who lost their lives. It’s important to treat the area with respect—do not climb on or disturb any of the wreckage, and take a quiet moment to reflect before moving on.
From the crash site, the route loops back toward the Pennine Way and returns to Snake Pass, completing a short circular walk of around 3.7–4 miles. While the distance is modest, the exposed terrain, navigation challenges, and changeable weather mean this walk feels more serious than it looks on paper.
This is a beautiful, atmospheric hike that shows a different side of the Peak District—raw, quiet, and hauntingly memorable. Perfect on a clear day, but one where preparation really matters.
