Thousands take on Ten Tors Challenge across Dartmoor

Thousands of teenagers took part in the Ten Tors Challenge last weekend, from 9 to 11 May, with 2,400 participants from across the UK testing their endurance across Dartmoor’s terrain.

The event, organised annually by the British Army, sees teams of six navigate 35-, 45-, or 55-mile routes through the northern half of Dartmoor. 

Participants must visit ten designated tors and checkpoints, carrying all their own equipment to remain self-sufficient over a two-day period.

Among the many teams was the Dartmoor Plodders, an independent training group that has been preparing team members for the challenge since October 2024. 

Run by volunteers in memory of Stuart Brown NRNS, the group focuses on building navigation and survival skills through regular weekend training sessions.

Laura, Deputy Team Manager of Dartmoor Plodders, said: “We are elated with how our Ten Tors Event went for our 2025 participants. Despite the varying weather, from sunshine to thunderstorms, we had 4 teams finish the event as complete teams! The weekend ended with some very proud participants, leaders and parents.”

Sisters Scarlett and Eleanor Winsper, aged 15 and 13, were part of the Dartmoor Plodders team.

Scarlett said: “Last year I attempted the 35 but unfortunately didn't make my crash time on the Sunday, so was taken off the moors. This made me even more determined to complete it this year, and improve my navigation skills. I'm so glad I did because this year I had an amazing team and took on the role of section leader. I really enjoyed this weekend and had lots of fun. My team are fantastic and although some sections were tough, we were able to push through it as a team and made it to the finish line.”

Eleanor added: “I wanted to do Ten Tors this year after being at the event last year and seeing the teams come in. I loved the atmosphere and seeing the teams cross the finish line and wanted to be a part of it this year. The weekend went well and it actually felt quite easy because of the fantastic training from the Dartmoor Plodders. We managed 7 Checkpoints on our first day so it meant we could take it easy in the Sunday.”

Abi Graves, team leader of Okehampton College’s B team, said: “I am very proud of my team getting through the long and hard days on the moor. We pushed through the hot weather and sore feet from the very beginning all the way to the finish line and collectively agreeing that finishing was the best part. We all very much deserved a sit down and a pasty in the end.”

Claire Hart, Abi’s mother, shared her thoughts on the experience: “They took advantage of the good weather on the first day getting further then they planned to camping at Stanton farm and setting off early managing to finish just before the rain started on the Sunday. 10:40am.”

Sixteen-year-old Rosemarie White, a student at Okehampton College, completed the 45-mile route this year, having previously done the 35. 

Her sister, Corren White, also took part.

Just a day after finishing, Corren joined the Royal Navy as a Warfare Officer, beginning training on 12 May at Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth.