Peak District hike under 1 hour from Manchester takes you to WW2 plane crash site

A particular hiking trail in the Peak District boasts a unique feature - the remnants of a plane that met its tragic end in 1948.

The aircraft in question was a B-29 Bomber, a U. S. Air Force Superfortress, which crashed in the British countryside while on a domestic flight between UK bases.

The wreckage can be located about an hour from the nearest parking facilities, near the secluded Snake Summit. However, it's a challenging hike and may not be suitable for beginners or those planning to bring their children along for a country walk.

While the remains of the bomber offer an intriguing sight, the story behind them is a sombre one, as all those aboard the flight perished in the crash.

The accident was attributed to poor visibility due to cloudy weather. The pilots initiated their descent, mistakenly believing they had already cleared the hills, but tragically, they were wrong.

At 11 am on 3 November 1948, the aircraft struck the ground and was consumed by fire. It was only when the plane failed to land at its scheduled time at Burtonwood Airbase that others became aware of the crash.

The crash site was eventually discovered at 16:30, and the bodies of those onboard were retrieved the following morning.

The Boeing B-29 Superfortress was an American four-engined propeller-driven heavy bomber designed by Boeing and primarily used by the United States during WW2.

There are several challenging hiking trails leading to the crash site within the area. The official Peak District website recommends starting at Snake Summit or Doctor's Gate Culvert for about an hour's trek to reach the plane wreckage.

For those seeking a more extended hike, parking at Torside is an option; however, be prepared for a strenuous four-hour journey.