DESPITE the cold weather, Shebbear College students braved the elements to continue their Ten Tors training.

The students attempting the 55-mile Ten Tors challenge endured a walk from Princetown to Meldon reservoir, whilst the students who will be talking the 45-mile trek set off from the four winds car park below Great Miss Tor to Meldon.

This was the second training session so far, and the students training for the 45-mile walk trekked 23km in preparation for the event, while the students training for the 55-mile walk managed 27km.

Mark Charman, marketing manager at Shebbear College, said: ‘It was a pleasure to join the 45 and 55-mile participants last Sunday. along with Lucy Body, Brad Horn and Eleanor Bearpark for the second training walk.’

Mark and Lucy set off along with the students who quickly pushed ahead and out of sight within the first two kilometres.

‘The walking started in excellent weather with clear blue sky, sunshine and superb visibility,’ said Mark.

‘This was the first time I had experienced serious walking on Dartmoor and I was shocked at how quickly a bank of mist descended on the group, which greatly reduced the visibility.’

‘During the session the 45s walked 23km and the 55s walked 27km in excellent time — which makes my 18km pale into insignificance, but it was an achievement for me, thanks to lots of support and encouragement.’

The students from Shebbear College will join many other young walking enthusiasts in May 2017, when they take on the Ten Tors Challenge.