MORE than 2,000 youngsters will descend onto Dartmoor this weekend for this year’s Ten Tors and Jubilee challenges.

The annual event, organised by the Army, starts at Okehampton Camp at 7am tomorrow (Saturday, May 12).

As well as a vital high-level military resilience exercise — entitled Wyvern Tor — the Ten Tors Challenge is also one of the biggest outdoor adventure events for youngsters aged between 14 and 19 with an estimated 2,400 taking part, with a further 300 youngsters with physical or education needs taking part in the Jubilee Challenge.

The majority of the teams who enter are from schools and youth groups from across the South West, including scout groups, sports, ramblers teams and Armed Forces cadet units, all of whom have trained hard over the last few months and are ready to accept the challenge.

Those teenagers taking on the Ten Tors challenge will trek unaided over 35, 45 or 55 miles of some of the toughest terrain and highest peaks in Southern England, relying on their navigational skills and carrying all their food, water, bedding, tents and other essentials as they go.

It is a feat they must complete as a team and without any help from adults and teams remain entirely self-sufficient during their arduous expeditions, including camping out overnight on the moor.

The Jubilee Challenge is for youngsters with special needs, many in wheelchairs, who will compete routes up to 15 miles.

This year, the challenge will see the return of ‘Fresh Tracks’ which is aimed at young people with a range of challenging life issues. Participants have had an opportunity to build confidence and life skills through training for the event and will take part in a demanding walk of ten miles across the moor, leading Dartmoor ponies as their ‘platform for learning’ and motivation.