Dartmoor
is one of the last wildernesses in England. It is a
National Park, and occupies some 368 square miles of
hills topped by granite outcrops - the 'Tors'. At its
lowest points Dartmoor touches 325 feet above sea level,
and the highest Tor-capped hill reaches 2018 feet. The
valleys and dips between the hills often hold bogs to
trap the unwary walker. Only two major roads cross the
Moor - others take a more cautious route around its
skirts.
The Moor has long been used by the British Army as
a training and firing range. Approximately 156 square
miles of the moor are owned or leased by the MoD for
military training, and three ranges are used for much
of the year for live firing exercises.
In 1959 three Army officers felt that the Moor would
provide a challenge for civilians as well as soldiers,
and Ten Tors was conceived. In the first year 203 boys
and girls took up the challenge - and the Army thoughtfully
suspended firing exercises.
The Ten Tors event takes place one weekend in May,
every year, and is now limited to 2400 individuals -
400 teams of six teenagers. The teams, depending on
age and ability, face hikes of 35, 45 or 55 miles between
ten nominated Tors over two days. The intention is that
the teams shall be self-sufficient, carrying everything
they need to survive two days on the Moor.
For more information on this event,
please contact your Platoon Commander.
|