Teams set off to tackle 'immensely tough' Ten Tors

Lisa Young
BBC News, South West
BBC Masses of young people are walking a trail that winds up the top of a tor on Dartmoor. The terrain has large tufts of grass and pieces of granite scattered across it.BBC
The main expedition sets off from Okehampton Camp

Thousands of teenagers are starting the 63rd Ten Tors Challenge on Dartmoor.

The annual challenge, organised by the British Army's Headquarters South West, sees teams navigate routes across the northern half of Dartmoor in under two days.

It is usually attempted by about 2,400 teenagers in 400 teams of six, with routes ranging between 35 and 55 miles (56-88km).

Up to 400 young people with special needs were taking part in the Jubilee Challenge, a one-day event across four different routes.

Masses of young people walking on moorland on Dartmoor. There are military personnel wearing high-vis clothing among them.
Teams set off from Okehampton Camp on Dartmoor at about 07:00 BST and must return to cross the finish line before 17:00 on Sunday.

Teams in the main expedition were due to set off from Okehampton Camp at 07:00 and must return by 17:00 on Sunday.

Participants must follow their allocated route, which specifies which staffed locations must be visited and in what order, but it is up to teams to identify and navigate their own ways between them.

The Army Headquarters South West said the challenge was "immensely tough".

"Those teenagers taking part will trek unaided... and will encounter some of the toughest terrain and highest peaks in southern England," it said.

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

Related internet links