Saturday 9^th February and 16 keen 35-mile Ten Tors walkers were pitching their tents in a campsite in the rain on the edge of Princetown, ready for their first major training expedition on South Dartmoor on Sunday 10^th February.

They awoke after a night of heavy rain, to snow falling on their tents at 6am!! Hot porridge, croissants and a hot brew were essential as tents were dismantled and rucksacks packed in preparation for the day’s walking.

The two teams, Team A and Team B set off at 7.30am, a little behind schedule but keen to impress the staff with their fitness, navigational skills, teamwork and general camaraderie.

The early morning was a real test for the navigators as mist and drizzle made visibility difficult. However, Tors were reached, checkpoints met and both groups grew in confidence. The sun came out and the pupils began to understand the beauty of Dartmoor and its challenge.

The moor was very wet and river crossings were taught well and safely. Elephant grass was leg sapping and the intermittent hail storms added a new dimension to the day.

Both groups were impressive throughout the day and came off the moor at 3.45pm, weary but full of smiles and a sense of achievement that they had passed their first test on Dartmoor with some success. Harder challenges are to come after half-term when both groups will take on North Dartmoor and more miles will be covered.

Craig Barrow, Contingent Commander CCF