While the Peak District is known for its rolling hills and beautiful views, it also holds haunting reminders of the past.
Just beyond the Cheshire border lies Bleaklow Moors, near Glossop – an area often called the 'UK's Bermuda Triangle'. It’s also home to the remains of the famous Bleaklow Bomber.
This aircraft, named "Over Exposed", had a remarkable history. It was previously used to take photos of nuclear tests at Bikini Atoll.
It was a modified Boeing B-29 Superfortress, the same type of bomber that dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.
The plane was supposed to land near Warrington, but thick cloud cover made flying difficult. The pilot believed they had cleared the hills and started descending too soon. Sadly, all 11 crew members and two military passengers died in the crash.
The impact completely destroyed the aircraft, with debris scattered across the hills. Only the tail section of the plane remained intact. The following morning, rescue teams recovered the bodies of those on board and took them to RAF Burtonwood.
At the time of the crash, the aircraft had been carrying $7,400 in wages for the airbase. Despite the fire, the money survived and was recovered by military police at the scene
Watch the full video below taken by @theyorkshirephoto via Instagram.
The B-29 Superfortress 'Over Exposed' wasn’t the only plane to crash on Bleaklow Moors. Between 1939 and 1956, eight aircraft, including this one, came down on the moors, claiming the lives of 50 people.
It’s this tragic history that earned the area its nickname as the 'UK's Bermuda Triangle'.
However, experts believe the high number of crashes happened because of a mix of factors. Nearby airbases, the rugged hills, and the region’s unpredictable weather made it a dangerous place for planes in the early to mid-20th century.
Decades later, much of the wreckage from the crash remains. A memorial plaque was placed at the site in honour of those who lost their lives. It reads: “It is doubtful the crew ever saw the ground.”
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since COVID-19 is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
There is a greater chance of litter because the infinity pool is becoming more and more popular and receives more and more visitors. Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the park, it will help keep the area tidy.
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