Teamwork and adrenaline: How teens tackle Ten Tors

After months of training, thousands of young people will be heading to Dartmoor to take part in the 63rd annual Ten Tors Challenge.

The event, organised by the British Army's Headquarters South West, involves teams navigating routes across the northern half of Dartmoor in under two days.

Dartmoor Plodders, an independent group who train young people for Ten Tors, said the challenge taught people everything they needed to know about surviving in the wilderness.

Tom, who is completing the challenge, said: "The best part of Ten Tors is the brand new people you get to meet along the way and the sense of community that's fostered by everyone going through the same challenge."

There are three formats for the challenge - 35 miles (56km) for 14 and 15 year olds, 45 miles (72km) for those aged 16 and 17, and 55 miles (88km) for 18 to 19 year olds.

The Dartmoor Plodders have been training for the event every other weekend since October 2024.

Evie, who is with the team, said: "We usually start overnight camping in January, which is right in the middle of winter, so the weather isn't ideal, but it does help us train a lot."

Fellow team member Megan added: "I think the biggest challenge for me is trying to stay positive especially when things are hard and that is what is so great about a team - they really help lift you up."

They said the second gruelling day begins at 04:30 BST in the dark, often in the rain and after a bad night's sleep.

"It is quite easy to get demoralised," said Isaac.

"But if you keep pushing... you finally get there and you feel strong on the second day."

Tom said Ten Tors "has given us all a variety of skills" and he was now able to go across Dartmoor using only a map and a compass.

"That is really cool thing to achieve," he said.

Among the many Devon schools taking part in the challenge is Mount Kelly College in Tavistock.

Teacher and team manager Tim Mycock said the teams had been training since September last year and everyone had played their part.

"The training can be hard, and the adrenaline comes in once you see all the other participants there," he said.

"It ups the ante that you are actually part of an amazing event, and I think the adrenaline helps them press on to achieve their distance."

For participants Holly, Will and Caitlin, who have all completed the event previously, teamwork was a vital component.

They have done the 35-mile and 45-mile challenge, with the 55-mile to be their last.

"We have been training for a long time, since October 2023, and I think we are relatively confident of our performance," said Will.

Caitlin added: "Finishing it as a team is the most important part.

"This year has been the hardest because we know we have the longest distance at the end."

Mr Mycock said while "natural leaders take charge of the team", Ten Tors was definitely not an individual event.

He said everyone got to play a part - whether it be navigating, cooking meals, or boosting morale.

"You are only going to do it as a team," he said.

For some, what could be waiting at the finish line was the biggest motivation of all.

"The best thing about Ten Tors is the sausage roll at the end," said Bryn, representing the Dartmoor Plodders.

Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].