Ten Tors 2022

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, Canford was delighted once again to take part in the 60^th edition of the Ten Tors challenge on Dartmoor, entering two Fourth Form teams into the 35 mile challenge, and two Lower Sixth teams into the 45 mile challenge. We were even more delighted to see them succeed, every team finishing as a complete team and thereby earning their finisher medals.

The Ten Tors is organised by the Army’s Headquarters South West with support from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as well as civilian emergency services and volunteers. A gruelling event, it is attempted by 2,400 teenagers in 400 teams each year, navigating routes of 35, 45 or 55 miles (depending on age) over the rugged northern half of Dartmoor, visiting ten nominated tors / check points in under two days. Teams must be self-sufficient, carrying all that they need to complete their route and stay out overnight safely. Most significantly, while we accompany them during training, on the event itself they are on their own to navigate, look after themselves and their team – it is a great test of teamwork and self-reliance. Further information can be found here:  www.tentors.org.uk 

The weather inevitably plays a part, and while no extreme bad weather was encountered, the teams had to deal with an entertaining mix of hot weather and morning fog, calling for wise hydration and precise navigation respectively. While emphatically not a race, it was great to see one of our 35 mile teams coming in by mid-morning on the Sunday – the first to finish on their route and the 9^th fastest of 253 teams! But we were equally proud of the other teams, and it was great to hear afterwards how one of the 45 mile teams had held up their own progress for some time to help another team struggling with a casualty – it is this camaraderie and team spirit between the participants that makes it so special.

These comments from some of our pupils give a sense of just some of the emotions they felt to take part in Ten Tors:

“That was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But I want to do it again. Just not tomorrow…”

“I can’t believe we did it! It makes all the training seem worthwhile”

“The finish line was amazing. I remember everyone cheering, my feet hurting, and the finish line pasty tasting SO good!”

Thanks to all the teams for a great performance, and also to the staff who gave up their time and weekends to run the training. Roll on next year!

Participants:

35 mile Red team: Imogen (Capt.), Lucy, Jack, Jack, Grace, Tom

35 mile Blue team: Freya (Capt.), Rory, Hannah, Will, Sophia, Jemima

45 Mile Red team: Charlie (Capt.), Mia, Hugh, Felix, Connor

45 Mile Blue team: Tom (Capt.), Millie, Daniel, Jack, Alex