*All school trips and activities are subject to the latest government guidelines regarding the coronavirus pandemic
Ten Tors Challenge
Organised by the Army from Headquarters South West and assisted by the Navy and the Royal Air force, the Ten Tors Challenge is considered to be the largest and most highly respected outdoor walking event held nationally for young people. On the first weekend of May, 400 teams of students from different schools around the South West will set out on this challenging overnight expedition, which many past participants have described as a life changing experience.
The Ten Tors Challenge is attempted by 2,400 teenagers. The teams navigate routes of 35, 45 or 55 miles (depending on age) over the North Moor of Dartmoor, visiting ten nominated tors/checkpoints in under two days. Teams must be self-sufficient, carrying all that they need to complete their route, and stay out overnight safely whilst navigating Dartmoor’s desolate landscape.
The Jubilee Challenge
The Jubilee Challenge is run closer to Okehampton Camp and is designed for young people aged between 14 and 21 with a range of challenging conditions, who complete one of several routes suited to their abilities.
Useful documents:
Ten Tors Mandatory Clothing and Equipment
During the training season discounts are available from a variety of outdoor stores. See the link below for details:
https://www.tentors.org.uk/services/partners
Covid-19
Mon 8 Mar 2021 — A statement from the Director Ten Tors, Colonel Neville Holmes MBE (https://www.tentors.org.uk/entry/a-statement-from-the-director-ten-tors-colonel-neville-holmes-mbe)
“It is with regret that I have to announce it is no longer possible to hold a physical Ten Tors event on Dartmoor this May. As you know, we have been working closely with the local authorities and Ten Tors Policy Committee to plan a safe and enjoyable event but the restrictions that will still be in place over that period mean this is no longer possible. I know this will be a huge disappointment to many however, given that safety is always our number one priority, I hope you understand. We are planning to enable a virtual event which teams may wish to conduct closer to home during 2021 to keep the Ten Tors ‘flame alive’ and if so, please look out for more details to follow shortly. I can also confirm plans are already well underway to run a full Ten Tors event in May 2022 and look forward to seeing you all then. In the meantime, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your forbearance and to hope you and your families stay safe and well.”
https://www.tentors.org.uk/page/covid-19
Testimonials
“Saturday mornings not spent trudging through the mist, blistered feet, tired eyes and getting on a minibus at 6 in the morning were rare. It makes you appreciate the warm comforts of a central heating, as oppose to an unforgiving mat and sleeping bag after a 15 hour walk, in a campsite you will never see in daylight. If you are really lucky the clocks will go forward during your already short night’s sleep or a couple will have a marital argument you have to awkwardly rectify whilst navigating. The best and hardest and often funniest experience of my life”
~Zoë Cross (35 miles- 2019)
“Ten Tors is the hardest challenge that I had ever taken part in and it has built my confidence massively. The challenge is very tough but it is all worth it because it comes along with all the amazing sights you will see and the memories you will make. One of the best and rewarding challenges of my life.”
~Luke Mahony (35 miles- 2018)
“I can happily say that Ten Tors is one of the best things I have done. There is no doubt that it’s tough. You’ll face harsh weather and terrain and it’s physically and mentally challenging. But if you push past that, you truly do make memories which you could never get anywhere else. From your teammate falling face-first in wet mud, to singing “S-Club 7″ to get up the hill, sitting in the rain trying to fix a broken tent to making friends with so many random people from other teams. The biggest thing for me will always be the feeling I got when we saw the finish line and everyone waiting at the bottom of the hill: it was the maddest, happiest, most emotional feeling I’ve had so far. I really recommend going for it.”
~Jasmine Fey (35 miles- 2018)
*All school trips and activities are subject to the latest government guidelines regarding the coronavirus pandemic.