Successful Ten Tors Training Expedition

News - Apr 3

An early start on Saturday morning allowed our students to cover their longest single day distance as their Ten Tors training continues, and over the last three expeditions, they have ticked off almost every possible checkpoint on any of the Ten Tors routes.  

The weather was kind for most of Saturday, and the ground was unusually dry. Whilst a few navigational errors occurred, teams generally did brilliantly to keep on course over a really long distance. The incredible 55 team arrived at Dinger Tor about an hour ahead of an already ambitious schedule, so they extended their walk to cover nearly 60km for the day, before joining the 45 teams at their camp near Cullever Steps. The 45 teams again impressed greatly, keeping excellent time as they expertly navigated their way across the moor.  

For our three 35 teams, this was the first time that they had been given the freedom to demonstrate their navigational ability and independence without a constant adult presence. All three teams stepped up to the challenge amazingly and, when they were met en route, they were in really good spirits. Despite the news of a lovely, warm clear night back at home, that was definitely not what the teams experienced as they descended into New Bridge for the night. The wind had picked up significantly, the clouds had descended and the temperature was plummeting. It was the sort of the weather that drenched you without it seemingly raining that hard. Through gritted teeth – and with a lot of support from our fantastic adult team – they got the tents up, stoves on, fed and into their warm dry sleeping bags for the night, as quickly as possible.  

Sunday was dry again. I gave into persuasion and pushed back our start time to allow them a little more rest. The 45 and 55 teams were off and out by 7.30, and the 35s by just after 8. All teams were into Belstone, tired but in good spirits, by 10.30am.  

Written by Mr J Turner