u/Illustrious_Theme536

9.8 km of mud, fog and serious Wuthering Heights vibes

Total elevation: 573m

I would rate the route as moderate to difficult. Some of the uphill sections are quite steep, and the trail was very muddy when I went, which made it easy to lose balance or slip. I would strongly recommend bringing trekking poles, especially after rain, as they made the steeper and more slippery sections much easier to manage.

It was extremely foggy during the hike, so we didn’t get the clearest panoramic views from Mam Tor. However, the mist rolling over the hills gave the entire route a dramatic, slightly eerie atmosphere — it genuinely felt like walking through Wuthering Heights.

Despite the mud and limited visibility, the fog made the landscape feel even more atmospheric. A beautiful route, but definitely one to approach with proper hiking shoes, trekking poles and suitable layers for quickly changing Peak District weather.

Difficulty of this trail: Hard

The route up was fairly straightforward, with a moderate gradient and no particularly technical sections. It was a steady climb and suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.

The descent, however, was a little more challenging. Some sections were covered with loose rocks, gravel and uneven ground, so good balance was definitely helpful. There were also a few points where I needed to use my hands for extra support. I would be especially careful if the ground is wet, as the loose surface could become slippery.

Apart from the slightly tricky descent, the route was well worth it. The scenery was beautiful throughout, with views over Dovestone Reservoir and the surrounding hills, as well as the famous Dove Stone itself.

I would recommend wearing proper hiking shoes and taking your time on the way down. A great route for anyone looking for something scenic with a little bit of challenge.

location on google map: B29 OVEREXPOSED Crash Site

The crash site is located on the Bleaklow plateau (Snake Pass area) and is one of the most well-known wreck sites in the UK. It’s the remains of a US Air Force B-29 Superfortress that crashed in 1948 during a routine flight between bases.

It’s a fairly remote walk — from the nearest parking area it’s roughly ~2 miles (about an hour each way depending on pace), and the terrain becomes very open and exposed quite quickly. Navigation isn’t difficult in good visibility, but signage is limited once you’re on the moor.

A few things I’d genuinely highlight from the hike:

• The ground can get very wet and boggy, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are basically essential.
• Weather changes quickly on the plateau — you can go from clear skies to near-zero visibility quite fast.
• There are no facilities at all on the route or at the site itself.
• It’s not a family-friendly walk in my opinion due to exposure and conditions.
• The wreckage itself is still partially visible (engines / fuselage remains). It’s also a memorial site for the crew who lost their lives, so it really deserves respect — nothing should be moved or taken.
• It’s important to stick to established paths where possible, both to protect the environment and livestock.
• If anything goes wrong up there, response time can be long and may involve mountain rescue, so it’s worth treating it as a proper moorland hike, not just a casual walk.

Overall, it felt less like a “typical hike” and more like a quiet historical site in the middle of a very raw landscape.