A determined team of six students from Monkton Wood Academy has successfully completed the gruelling Ten Tors Challenge, covering 35 miles across rugged Dartmoor.
Led by team captain Elsie Ryder, the team—consisting of Ned Ellwood, Thomas Rowson, Emily Lewis, Alex Bashford, and William Davis—spent months preparing for this demanding event with training sessions both in the classroom and out on the moors.
The Ten Tors Challenge, organised annually by the British Army, pushes young people aged 14–19 to their limits. Teams must navigate unassisted across Dartmoor, visiting ten designated tors (hilltops) while carrying all necessary gear and camping wild overnight. The event tests not only physical stamina but also teamwork, resilience, and navigation skills.
This year, the Monkton Wood Academy team completed the 35-mile route with skill and determination, managing all aspects of the expedition independently. Their impressive performance is a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and unity.
Jennifer Martin, a member of the staff who supported the team throughout their preparation, said: “We are incredibly proud of what these students have achieved.
“The Ten Tors is one of the most challenging youth events in the UK, and to see them complete it with such confidence and teamwork has been truly inspiring.
“Their resilience and spirit represent the very best of Monkton Wood Academy.”
