Earth wind and Fire (and hail)

News - 23rd Mar 2024

Our ten tors trainees spent two consecutive nights under canvas or rather Protex 70 Denier Polyester Flysheet but that makes it sound comfortable and pleasant. The reality was they were hurtled down in sleeping bags with high winds gusting over their tents combined with on and off blasts of hailstones. They’d also cooked their evening meals in similar conditions, having to take multiple trips to cover from cooking al hailstone fresco.

Breakfast was a similar story to the night before. But soon enough bags were repacked with sleeping bags and team kit distributed they set off on their shadowed walks for the day. They walked 23km and climbed an elevation of 680m in a clockwise loop picking up, Higher Tor, Cosdon Beacon, Little Hound, Hound, Wild, Watern, Hangingtone Hill, Great Kneeset & Okement Hill before finishing at our campsite East Okement Farm.

In the true spirit of; “if it’s not raining it’s not training” mantra the weather provided for training as it was pretty miserable all day and there were little rays of sunshine. Before their evening meals a weather break was put to good use as the adventurers rejigged their tents for the winds which were building rapidly. They did so well that Mr Forey (Deputy Ten Tors Manager) rewarded them with his signature treat of American hotdogs topped with mini fries crisps. 

The rain mostly held off through Saturday night and Sunday but was replaced with increased wind speed which kept the groups company on their walks. Instructing staff check-pointed teams on the Sunday giving them monitored reign to walk 18km and 550m in height in a clockwise loop around Meldon Reservoir with a climb once again to the top of High Willhays Tor. 

St Peter’s adventurers once again did themselves very proud this weekend. It was already a tough itinerary without the added pressure of inclement weather so pats on the backs are thoroughly deserved. Throughout the weekend they continued to practice skills, learn new ones and realise the deepening levels of endurance that they are capable of fulfilling.

Thanks to all staff and a special thanks to Mr Forey for setting up camp earlier in the day.

Well done to all adventurers this weekend who keep raising that standard.

Mr Goldsmith
Ten Tors Manager