400 teams of 6 young people heading off for either a 35,45 or 55 mile unassisted challenge over 2 days across Dartmoor National Park on the weekend of 10th and 11th May 2025.
For us preparation started at 0515 on Thursday morning, with Chris and myself getting into a queue of vans to get into Okehampton army camp. We sharpened our elbows and prepared for what can only be described as a Wild West style ‘Land Grab’ to secure a good camping spot for base camp. This would be our home for the whole weekend so a good spot is essential.
Friday arrived and after the usual kit check (the students have a huge amount of mandatory kit to be safe for two days in unpredictable Dartmoor weather) we set off the Okehampton to settle into camp life. The students embraced the amazing atmosphere, it feels like a slightly strange music festival, just without any actual music. Kids are high on nerves, adrenaline and a lot of sugar!
Once all the excitement had faded a bit, the students got their 15 minutes of fame, delivering an amazing interview to the Army’s social media team. After that we all had some some dinner. Oscar McCrae who was walking with Seamoor Explorers even made a guest appearance. Myself, Mollie, Chris, Irene along with Ed Matthews all helped to get them organised and ready for the challenge ahead of them. We were all in bed by 2200 with one of our students even asking the neighbouring tent of adults to please be quiet.
Saturday dawned with the usual Chariots of Fire at 0500. The students were up and getting themselves ready, we had very mixed emotions. Some tears, some butterflies, some frantic packing and re-packing of bags. Irene cooked them all some bacon and egg bagels. Once we had forced them all to eat we set off for the start line. The Red Devils gave an incredible parachute display, the head of the Army delivered a speech, at 0700 a cannon fired and all the nerves vanished. Off they went on their own, into the open moor with 2394 other incredible young people. Conditions could not have been better, the sun was out but there was a nice cool breeze keeping the temperature at bay, the ground was dry underfoot making it ideal for hiking. The staff kept busy, dismantling some of the camp, drinking lots of coffee, but mainly just watching progress updates in the main hanger at the Army camp. We were hoping that everything was going to plan and they were putting all their training into practice and by 1930 they were camped.
Sunday was not as sunny, you could even say it was ‘mizzly’ but that was ideal for the students. They were up before us, probably at 0430 so they could be ready to leave their camp on the moor at 0600 on the dot. Progress was great and it became clear they would be finishing around lunchtime according to their route plan. We decided to pack up the rest of basecamp, wait for the parents to arrive and then all head to the finish line. Waiting to see the 5 orange and one green backpack come into view on the horizon was excruciating. Finally in the distance we spotted them, they were going to be finished by midday with any luck. Mollie and Chris went further down the finish to hand them the Park school banner, the team jumped for joy with this then they headed up the last, little incline to the official finish. They had done it. Once again emotions were high, more tears, pride and an overwhelming sense of achievement. They were reunited with their parents and they had all afternoon to celebrate.
Ten Tors is best described as Type 2 fun. Activities that are challenging and potentially uncomfortable while they’re happening, but ultimately feel rewarding and enjoyable when looked back on. Our students have hopefully learnt some valuable life skills throughout all of the training and the event. All those students that signed up back in September who did not make it into the final team also pushed themselves to feel uncomfortable at some point. Whether they came on one training walk or all of them, for me that is the true spirit of Ten Tors. Yes our team of six completed the challenge but hopefully all of them will go on to complete different challenges knowing they have the resilience and determination to do so. This is why I love outdoor education, this is the value it brings.
A huge thanks to all those involved.
Mr Worsfold
Outdoor Education Coordinator
