Participants at the end of a previous Ten Tors. Photo: Sergeant Adrian Harlen, Crown Copyright
National park bosses are hoping for a cash boost as thousands of young people prepare for a weekend challenge event.
Dartmoor National Park Authority said last year’s Ten Tors raised £1,200 through its £ for the Park scheme.
It said it hopes competitors in the Army-organised two-day challenge will again contribute cash to help maintain and repair clapper bridges and access points in the national park.
The authority said it has also been working closely with the Army on route changes and providing training to team managers to ensure that the event has minimum impact on the fabric of the moor and its wildlife.
Dartmoor National Park Authority rangers and voluntary wardens will be on hand throughout the weekend and the authority’s outreach vehicle will be at the event start to provide information to participants and their families.
Authority chairman Bill Hitchins said: “The Dartmoor National Park Authority has for many years worked closely with the organisers, landowners and commoners to minimise the environmental impact of the Ten Tors challenge and associated training and to maximise the local economic benefits of event.
“The authority also recognises that the training beforehand, as well the event itself, can help foster a passion in young people to help look after this very special place.
“We wish all those taking part in Ten Tors and Jubilee Challenge 2014 the very best.”
The Ten Tors gets underway on Saturday at 7am, with 2,400 teenagers expected to tackle the course over 35, 45 or 55 miles.
The challenge crosses some of some of the toughest terrain and highest peaks in southern England and competitors must rely on their navigational skills and carry all their food, water, bedding, tents and other essentials as they go.
The 54th running of the event starts at Okehampton Camp and a shorter course, the Jubilee Challenge, is undertaken by youngsters with physical or educational needs.
- Organisers have warned spectators that they will not be able to use car parks as planned.
Brigadier Piers Hankinson, the Ten Tors director, said: “Unfortunately the state of the ground has deteriorated severely as a result of the poor weather conditions today.
“While I am still content that I will be able to get all team vehicles into the car park, the condition of the ground has made it impossible for us to accept spectators’ cars on Saturday.
“Only team vehicles will be admitted into Okehampton Camp. I have arranged for a park-and-ride system to be operated from Okehampton College at a cost of £2 per head return, to partly offset bus hire costs.
“Be aware that the parking is very limited at 200 cars. Please consider the lack of available parking when planning your journeys and share vehicles where possible.
“I will reassess the situation at midday on Friday for car parking options on Sunday.”
