Exeter College has a proud history of being involved in Ten Tors and this year was no exception. The College supported four teams to enter the challenge, with ample training and guidance provided by the Outdoor Education team at Haven Banks.  

The Ten Tors Challenge is attempted by approximately 2,400 teenagers in 400 teams of six every year. The teams navigate routes of 35, 45 or 55 miles (depending on age) over the Northern half of Dartmoor, visiting ten nominated tor 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. 

This year saw the College enter two teams into the 45-mile challenge and two teams into the 55-mile challenge. Exeter College was one of only two establishments who entered and completed the event with two 55-mile teams. The weather over the weekend was exceptionally warm and came as a shock to many participants after a consistently cold and wet training season. One of our 45-mile teams suffered team injuries, partly due to the hot weather, and were unable to complete the challenge. Despite this disappointment for that team, as a college, we are incredibly proud of all four teams and of their commitment to preparing themselves for the Ten Tors event.  

Exeter College Principal and CEO, John Laramy CBE said: 

“This event is truly special and something that I am sure our students will never forget. Not only have they learnt some useful practical skills but have perhaps more critically gained skills that last for life such as determination, teamwork, and endurance. 

“We are incredibly proud of all the students that have taken part this year and are thankful that we have an amazing training team at Haven Banks that enable us to offer these opportunities to our students.” 

Training for this momentous event started in November with students experiencing the trials of a wet Devon winter, but they persevered with great team spirit, standing them in good stead for the challenges they have had to face this weekend.  

Josh Hill is studying A Levels in Physics, Geography and Photography and successfully completed the 45 miles over the weekend. We caught up with him before the team departed for Okehampton on Friday. He told us; 

“Training has been pretty brutal this year. It’s been a lot of cold, wet weekends, but that’s just made us more prepared for the final event. 

“I’m a bit nervous, obviously it’s quite a big distance, but I’m excited for it. I’m ready to get stuck in.” 

Bethany Lane is studying Public Services and has previously completed the 35- and 45-mile Ten Tors challenge. She said; 

“Every other weekend, we’ve been out on the moor, walking different distances. We’re prepared as a team for the distance, but the sun will be quite difficult, but we will push through it. I’m excited to finish it as a team. It’s 55 miles this time, so it’s our last event together.” 

The training team, made up of experts at Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre, also managed two 35-mile teams and one 45-mile team from St James School in Exeter and supported Southbrook School, Orchard Manor School and Girlguiding Devon in completing the Jubilee Challenge. 

Harry Newman, Ten Tors Manager, said;   

“This year the training for the event has been exceptionally wet, so I think it came as a shock to all the teams to be out on the moor in glorious sunshine. The four teams have done amazingly well, and they should all be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.  

“The resilience shown by all the participants was amazing to see, and they have shown real strength in their skills of leadership and navigation.   

“For those who have completed their 55-mile routes this marks the end of a special journey, especially for those who have now completed all three distances. For the 45-milers, I hope to see them again next year to take on 55 miles.” 

This year the event was officially started early on Saturday by Ray Mears. Ray Mears is a British woodsman, instructor, businessman, author and TV presenter. His TV appearances cover bushcraft and survival techniques.  

This is an incredible achievement for over 60 students from across four local schools, made possible by the dedicated staff team at Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre.  

Congratulations to all who took part in Ten Tors 2024.

Our 2024 Ten Tors Teams were: