Ten Tors

Each year in May, a mixed team of six intrepid pupils from the Lower Sixth Form, take part in the Ten Tors, a 45 mile challenge hike across Dartmoor. The task is to complete the route in 24 hours in what are often extremely inhospitable weather conditions, checking in at 10 tors (peaks) en route and returning to the start before 5pm on the second day. The event is run by the Army and is used as a training vehicle for armed forces cadets, as well as schools and scout  and guide groups.

The Ten Tors is not a race but a team challenge and selection is geared towards those who are not necessarily involved in the major sports. Training for the event starts in February and involves four weekend hikes on Dartmoor. The event is as much a test of mental, as physical, stamina and thorough preparation in navigation, survival and group-work skills is essential.

The phrase 'character-building' is perhaps over-used, but the event does seem to bring out resourcefulness and confidence in the participants, without breeding arrogance. Dauntsey's teams have been successful in every year bar 1996, when severe weather forced the Army to evacuate the moor halfway through the event.