Ten Tors teams braved the elements on Dartmoor in the penultimate training expedition

March 17th 2024

Ten Tors teams braved the elements on Dartmoor in the penultimate training expedition...

King’s Bruton 35 mile Ten Tors Teams ventured onto Dartmoor at the weekend for their third and final training expedition of the Easter Term in preparation for the event in May. Everyone was hoping that, third time lucky, the weather would be more favourable to the two groups, but the hope was in vain. Saturday night saw tents being put up in the rain at Okehampton Camp and a night of very strong winds and driving rain made for broken sleep! Camp skills on Sunday morning were more efficient and both groups set off from the top of Okehampton Camp where the actual event will start in a couple of months. The girls' group headed East towards Sourton Tor via Meldon Reservoir, whilst the boys headed West towards Cosdon Hill.

Once again, the weather conditions dominated the walking. The sun came out and waterproofs were packed away only to be unpacked ten minutes later as the rain and mist and wind returned. This was the pattern for most of the morning. The water courses were as high and as fast as had been seen in the last ten years of Dartmoor training, resulting in route changes as water systems were impassable and strength sapping alternative routes were undertaken. There were some excellent impressions of bog monsters during the day as Dartmoor sucked in unsuspecting walkers including Major Barrow!

Navigational Skills were better, as was team management, and pacing, but these aspects still need to improve considerably before the last training expedition in April. There were some very tired limbs and sore feet and shoulders, but that is part of the Ten Tors Challenge - there has to be some discomfort to appreciate the journey the young cadets are on. Onwards to the last training session in April, before the actual event on the weekend of 10^th - 12^th May.

Major Craig Barrow - Ten Tors Manager, King’s Bruton CCF