Intrepid trekkers tackle moor for volunteer rescuers

Adventurous hikers battled across rain-sodden moors to conquer tors in aid of the volunteer emergency service Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team Tavistock to raise vital funds.

The annual 11 Tors Challenge, run by the team, raised thousands of pounds with 399 people (including some from hundreds of miles away) in 139 teams setting off from Princetown on Saturday, September 19, defying the famed sudden change in upland weather.

They walked routes varying from about 16 miles (for more seasoned adventurous walkers) to 11 miles and five miles. The idea was to make the event appeal to every age and ability.

Steve Ayres, team spokesman, said: “The truly authentic Dartmoor weather made the day challenging, and everybody returned to the finish line thoroughly soaked.

“With visibility only 50 meters at times, navigation was difficult even for the seasoned hiker.

“We were pleased to still see smiles on the faces of those returning to the finish despite the weather!

“Hopefully the experience will have highlighted the importance of being prepared for the challenging conditions that can arise on Dartmoor and other remote locations. Map, compass, and waterproofs were all put to the test.”

The current total raised is £7,760.42 raised, with more being added through sponsorship. £798 of this will be given to the Donate for Dartmoor to support the upkeep of Dartmoor National Park.

Steve added: “Something that stood out for me is how far people come for the event. Our furthest attendee came from the Highlands of Scotland, and one father and daughter duo had seen a flyer for the event while down on holiday in the summer, and decided to drive from the South East of England in the morning, and back again straight afterwards!

“It's great to see people coming to experience the wild beauty of Dartmoor with us, and I know for one couple it was their first outing on Dartmoor. They were a little worried about getting lost, but completed the route successfully and hopefully will be back to enjoy Dartmoor again, maybe with some better weather!

A lot planning for the event took place covering routes, risk assessments, applications, sourcing supplies and sundries, planning the allocation of people and much more.

Planning started nearly a year ago, making early decisions on routes to gain national park permission. Initial planning for next year’s event is already taking place.

Nearly 50 people ran the event on the day, with 29 marshals making sure everyone was safe, and dealing with any incidents on the route.

Steve said: “11 Tors raises much needed funds for the team, allowing us to remain operational in our role of saving lives in wild and remote places.

“It takes the whole of our volunteer team to run the event, including planning and marshalling the event. Our team members also came back wet and tired from the day, but all talking about the interactions they had had with the people out walking the routes.

“It goes to show that the shared love of the outdoors by our team members and participants can't be dampened by the fog and rain, and in some ways, makes the experience even more enjoyable.”