Teams prepare for annual Ten Tors challenge on Dartmoor
Approximately 400 teams from across the South West will undertake the annual Ten Tors challenge on Dartmoor this weekend.
The teams of young people who are drawn from schools, colleges, cadet squadrons, scout and guide groups and independent organisations across the region, have been training hard for the challenge. They will be arriving today (Friday 10 May) ahead of the start of the hike which begins tomorrow and ends on Sunday.
The event which began in 1960, is organised by the Army and involves teams walking via different routes, climbing to a checkpoint on the summit of each of ten tors and reaching the finish by 5pm on the Sunday.
The setting on Dartmoor, one of England's last remaining wildernesses, often provides challenging conditions including notoriously changeable weather.
Three different distances are set -
35 miles (56 Km) for 14 and 15 year olds
45 miles (72 Km) for 16 and 17 year olds
55 miles (88 Km) for 18 and 19 year olds
There are strict requirements regarding preparation, kit and provisions, while safety and rules and procedures for 'fall out' and 'crash out' are carefully co-ordinated by organisers.
The weather conditions for this weekend are expected to be mixed with some rain and fairly chilly temperatures, but look unlikely to produce any extreme conditions.
The Plymouth Daily wishes all teams the very best of luck and a very enjoyable weekend on the moors.
