Introduction to Ten Tors and Dartmoor
Each spring, hundreds of young people from across the South West gather on the wild expanses of Dartmoor for an event that has become a rite of passage: the Ten Tors. Established in 1960 by British Army officers, the Ten Tors challenge was designed to test the endurance, navigation skills, and teamwork of teenagers, while fostering a sense of adventure in one of England’s most rugged national parks. The event takes place on Dartmoor, a landscape famed for its granite tors, sweeping moorlands, and unpredictable weather—elements that combine to create both beauty and formidable challenge. Over two days, teams of six navigate routes spanning 35, 45, or 55 miles, visiting ten specific tors (hilltops), with only their kit and each other for support. The Ten Tors has grown to symbolise not only physical resilience but also the unique spirit of youth in the South West, set against the dramatic backdrop of Dartmoor’s ever-changing terrain.
2. The Challenge: What Ten Tors Involves
The Ten Tors Challenge is a unique test of physical stamina, navigational skill, and teamwork set amidst the rugged beauty of Dartmoor in South West England. Unlike many youth events, Ten Tors is not a race but a journey where young people take on routes across open moorland, traversing ten designated tors (hilltops) over challenging distances. The event stands out for its strict self-sufficiency rules and graduated levels that cater to different age groups.
Routes and Distances
The challenge offers three primary routes, each tailored to the capabilities of specific age categories. Teams must navigate their chosen route without adult assistance, carrying all their kit and supplies for the entire expedition. The table below outlines the route options:
| Route | Distance (miles) | Approximate KM | Age Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-mile Route | 35 | 56 | 14-15 years old |
| 45-mile Route | 45 | 72 | 16-17 years old |
| 55-mile Route | 55 | 88 | 18-19 years old |
Team Structure and Age Categories
A standard Ten Tors team consists of six young people from schools, cadet units, or youth organisations. Each team member must fall within the age category for their chosen route at the time of the event. This ensures both safety and fair competition across all levels.
Unique Rules of Ten Tors
- No Adult Help on the Moor: Once teams set off, they must be entirely self-reliant—no adults or outside assistance is allowed during the expedition.
- Navigational Skills: Teams are given maps and must plot their own course between checkpoints using compass skills and local knowledge.
- Kit Requirements: Teams carry all food, water, tents, and emergency equipment required to camp overnight on the moor.
- Checkpoints: Each tor acts as a checkpoint; teams must register at all ten to complete their challenge.
- Safety Protocols: While independence is key, strict safety checks are in place with marshals stationed at various points and robust emergency procedures.
A Distinctively British Youth Event
The combination of Dartmoor’s unpredictable weather, tough terrain, and insistence on self-sufficiency makes Ten Tors a rite of passage for many young people in the UK’s South West. It fosters resilience, camaraderie, and a deep connection with the local landscape—qualities that resonate long after participants have left the moor.
3. Preparation and Training
The Ten Tors challenge is not a feat to be taken lightly; preparation for the event begins months in advance, demanding dedication from both participants and their support networks. Local schools, Scout groups, and cadet organisations across the South West take the lead in guiding young people through rigorous training regimes that stretch far beyond a simple walk on Dartmoor.
Developing Key Skills
At the core of training lies navigation. The undulating moorland, unpredictable weather, and sparse landmarks mean that teams must learn to use map and compass with confidence. Route planning, grid references, and reading the land become second nature as practice walks increase in length and difficulty.
Teamwork and Communication
No team can succeed without strong communication. Training days include exercises designed to build trust, allocate roles, and ensure every member’s voice is heard. Each group learns how to make collective decisions under pressure—vital when navigating Dartmoor’s notorious mists or facing fatigue late into a trek.
Building Resilience
The physical demands are considerable, but mental resilience is equally crucial. Participants regularly face rain-lashed weekends, aching legs, and the temptation to give up. Through shared experience, they develop grit and perseverance—the true hallmarks of Ten Tors veterans.
Community Involvement
The involvement of local institutions goes beyond logistics. Teachers, volunteers, parents, and former Ten Tors participants offer guidance, encouragement, and sometimes hot tea at checkpoints during training hikes. This network fosters not only endurance but also a profound sense of community spirit unique to the South West.
4. The Spirit of Teamwork and Endurance
The Dartmoor Ten Tors is more than a physical challenge; it is an unparalleled test of teamwork, camaraderie, and the spirit of perseverance. Each team, composed of young people from across the South West, must rely on every member to navigate Dartmoor’s notorious weather, unpredictable terrain, and long distances. Unlike many endurance events that focus on individual achievement, Ten Tors places emphasis squarely on the collective success of the group.
How Teams Support Each Other
During the event, participants quickly learn that survival and progress depend not just on personal fitness but on mutual support. Team members share equipment, encourage each other through fatigue, and make crucial decisions together when morale dips or conditions worsen. This shared responsibility fosters a unique sense of unity that is rare among youth activities.
| Challenge | Team Response |
|---|---|
| Heavy Rain & Strong Winds | Sharing waterproofs, rotating leadership roles, boosting morale with humour |
| Navigation Errors | Collective map reading sessions, open discussion before deciding on routes |
| Fatigue & Blisters | Pacing strategies, sharing snacks/water, regular check-ins for well-being |
Life Lessons from the Moor
The lessons learnt during Ten Tors last far beyond the weekend itself. Young people discover the value of patience, clear communication under stress, and resilience in adversity. These are life skills that often become foundational in adulthood. The experience also strengthens friendships as teams bond over shared hardships and celebrate hard-won achievements.
Quotes from Past Participants
- “You learn quickly that no one gets through Dartmoor alone.”
- “When you’re cold and tired but your teammate’s struggling more, you just keep going for them.”
- “Ten Tors taught me how much I can achieve with others at my side.”
The Enduring Impact on Young People in the South West
The spirit of teamwork and endurance cultivated by the Dartmoor Ten Tors is widely recognised across communities in Devon and Cornwall. It is an event that builds character as much as it tests stamina—instilling pride not only in finishing but also in having looked after one another along the way.
5. Community and Local Involvement
The Dartmoor Ten Tors challenge is much more than a youth adventure; it stands as a testament to the South West’s deep-rooted sense of community and shared responsibility. The event would simply not be possible without the tireless dedication of local residents, volunteers, and the military—all coming together with a single purpose: to ensure that every participant experiences both safety and the thrill of accomplishment.
The Heartbeat of Dartmoor: Local Volunteers
Every year, hundreds of volunteers from Devon and neighbouring counties give up their time to support Ten Tors. These individuals man checkpoints, provide first aid, offer navigational guidance, and bring with them an invaluable knowledge of Dartmoor’s unpredictable terrain. For many locals, volunteering is a rite of passage—an opportunity to share their love for the moor while giving back to the next generation. It is this quiet commitment that forms the backbone of the event’s success year after year.
Military Precision and Support
The British Army plays a pivotal role in organising and executing Ten Tors. Their involvement dates back to the events origins, ensuring logistical excellence and safety standards worthy of such a challenging expedition. From setting up base camps to deploying emergency response teams, military personnel work seamlessly with civilian counterparts. Their presence provides reassurance for parents and participants alike, underlining the seriousness with which the event is approached.
Collaboration with Local Organisations
Numerous local organisations—including schools, scout groups, mountain rescue teams, and even small businesses—contribute resources and expertise. Whether it’s providing training sessions in map reading or offering warm drinks at rest stops, these collaborations weave a strong fabric of support around every team taking part. This synergy between formal institutions and grassroots efforts is truly distinctive to Ten Tors.
Nurturing Community Spirit
Ultimately, Ten Tors is about much more than endurance; it is about fostering a spirit of cooperation and pride within the South West. The event has become a focal point for local identity—a shared annual milestone that brings people together across generations. The pride in watching young people conquer Dartmoor’s wild spaces is matched only by the satisfaction of knowing the community helped them get there.
6. Personal Reflections and Lasting Impact
The Dartmoor Ten Tors Challenge leaves an indelible mark on those who take part, shaping not just their teenage years but also their outlook on life. Countless past participants have shared stories of how the event became a defining moment in their adolescence. Anna, now a university student in Exeter, recalls: “Ten Tors taught me resilience more than anything else. When you’re cold, tired, and facing another mile of boggy moorland, it’s your team that gets you through. I’ve carried that lesson into every challenge since.”
Many former challengers speak about the sense of camaraderie fostered by shared hardship. James, who completed his first Ten Tors at 16, describes how his group “became like a second family,” relying on each other for encouragement and practical support during the toughest stretches. He credits the experience with boosting his confidence and leadership skills—traits he found invaluable later in life.
For others, the Ten Tors is a proud rite of passage embedded in British youth culture, particularly in the South West. Local schools and cadet groups often treat participation as an honour, instilling a unique blend of independence and community spirit. The event’s emphasis on self-reliance—navigating Dartmoor’s wild terrain without outside help—remains a point of pride among alumni.
Even decades later, former participants say the memories endure: the laughter around camp stoves, the satisfaction of reaching a windswept tor after hours of trekking, and the deep sense of achievement at crossing the finish line. These experiences become stories passed down to younger generations, helping to keep the tradition alive.
Above all, testimonials highlight how Ten Tors connects young people with the landscape and with each other. It’s more than just an expedition; it’s a formative journey that builds character and lasting friendships. In an age when digital distractions are ever-present, Ten Tors continues to offer British youth something both timeless and vital: adventure, belonging, and the discovery of what they’re truly capable of.
