Intrepid trekkers are being invited to beat the deadline for a day’s hiking on Dartmoor in aid of local volunteer mountain rescuers.

Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team (DSRT) Tavistock is organising its popular 11 Tors event on Saturday, September 19. Registration is online at this link: https://dsrt-tavistock.org.uk/11tors/ but time is of the essence as registration closes on Monday, August 31.

More than 400 walkers are expected to tackle the Dartmoor tors for the team’s biggest fundraiser which also raises money for the Dartmoor National Park’s ‘Donate to Dartmoor’ campaign to protect this fragile landscape.

The challenge caters for all levels of fitness and experience with routes ranging from five miles and five tors to a ‘long’ half-marathon route of 16 miles (26km). All three walks start and finish at Princetown.

A DSRT spokesman said: “The 11 Tors Challenge is a community-driven walking event across the striking landscape of Dartmoor, organised and run by us volunteers.

“It is designed to be inclusive and enjoyable for all levels of walkers, from families to seasoned adventurers, and offers a chance to explore some of the moor’s most beautiful and remote areas in a safe, well-supported environment.

“It’s more than just a walk, it’s a celebration of Dartmoor, a fundraiser for vital local services, and a fantastic day out in one of the UK’s most iconic wild spaces.”

This year’s main event is 11 miles, visiting 11 tors, with a shorter five-mile ‘Mini Explorers’ walk and the ‘marathon distance’ which is slightly over a 16-mile distance, for more experienced adventurers. This covers areas unmanned by the DSRT personnel marshalling the route.

Walkers are advised they should be prepared to finish the route by 4.30pm before they book. After this time the route will not be supported by marshals.

The event raises funds through the entry fee, but walkers are encouraged to raise their own additional sponsorship.

A team spokesman said: “If every participant raised an additional £20 sponsorship, we could raise an extra £10,000. It’s not compulsory, but if walkers could consider raising sponsorship, we would really appreciate it.”

11 Tors sponsorship forms can be downloaded at this link https://tinyurl.com/5cptmemf for bringing to the event, or posting to DSRT after the event. Walkers can alternatively set up a Just Giving page.

Event T-shirts will be available to order at the point of booking tickets. To purchase a T-shirt separately or ask any other questions email the team on [email protected].

There are staggered start times to spread out the crowds, on arrival to Princetown and along the route.

All routes will be over rough terrain so unsuitable for pushchairs, and a basic level of navigation will be required to make your around the checkpoints. Well behaved under-control dogs are allowed to join walkers.

The event is challenging, including off road sections and unpredictable weather. Walkers should ensure they are physically fit enough and well prepared for the event including carrying the correct kit as suggested here: https://www.adventuresmart.uk/hill-walking-kit-list/