This weekend, thousands of teenagers from Devon, Cornwall, and beyond are lacing up their hiking boots for the legendary Ten Tors Challenge—a true test of endurance, teamwork, and grit that has become a rite of passage for young adventurers.

On Friday, 440 teams arrived at Okehampton Camp on Dartmoor, setting up tents and fine-tuning their routes before the big start. The challenge, which kicked off early Saturday morning, offers three levels of difficulty: teams of six must self-navigate either 35, 45, or 55 miles across the rugged northern half of the moor, depending on their age group.

Col Jim Bird, director of Ten Tors, wished all participants the best of luck and stressed that proper kit preparation is essential for success. He noted that many people hold the event "close to their heart" and emphasized the importance of months of training in advance.

Lieutenant Col Tim Gilbert, a seven-year veteran organizer, described the challenge as all about teamwork and rising to the occasion. "It offers a really good lesson and experience," he said, "as they do it on their own, on the moor, pushing themselves hour after hour. You can't develop that in the classroom or anywhere else." He also reminded teams that Dartmoor's unpredictable weather means being prepared for anything—from sunshine to sudden storms.

For these young hikers, the Ten Tors Challenge isn't just a physical feat—it's a journey of self-discovery and camaraderie that will stay with them long after they cross the finish line. Whether they're conquering the 35-mile route or tackling the full 55, every step is a testament to their determination and the spirit of adventure.