On Saturday 17th February the TCS Ten Tors Training Team embarked on our 6th walk of the year beginning at Shipley Bridge. We had 13 dedicated students join us in their half term week, very impressive considering the weather and the early start. As we approached Dartmoor, it was clear to see this was going to be a foggy, wet walk. Mr Johns and Mr Horne made a sensible decision of amending the route which was initially 20 miles down to 13 miles to ensure we would get back to Shipley Bridge Car Park before 2pm when a yellow weather warning would come in to effect. Considering adverse weather in a location such as Dartmoor has to be a priority when walking and I think all of us were glad to not walk the extra few hours in the pouring rain.
We began with a steep incline towards Ball Gate which are old gate posts from Brentmoor Manor in the 17th century. We then worked out a safe crossing over East Glaze Brook followed by West Glaze Brook with our students taking it in turns to navigate. Mr Johns talked through how to take a bearing towards the Two Moors Way where we walked through some mildly tufty tussocks and had to avoid a blanket bog.
Once we found the track, it was easier underfoot besides the flowing water which made the track resemble a river more than a nice pathway. We walked the track for a couple of hours, passing disused tin mines and misty views. Students mostly had the full weight in their back packs on this walk, it became clear to them that walking with weight at a good pace was difficult. Despite the increased weight in their packs, the students maintained a 5km/hour pace which we were all impressed with.
We came to a sharp descent towards the River Avon and we had to walk down this hill in zig zags as it was very slippery which one of our students found out after slipping over about 7-10 times! We crossed the Clapper Bridge and made our way to Avon Dam, which slowly revealed itself through the fog, the rainfall was increasing and we were looking forward to finding the tarmacked pathway up to Avon Dam. We made it back to the minibus at 1.30pm, we wrung out our hats and waterproofs which were dripping wet and blasted the heating in the minibus. It was a very wet and cold walk, our students demonstrated high levels of commitment and enthusiasm throughout and as ever, we were very proud of them for giving up their Saturday to learn and practice the skills required to complete the Ten Tors Challenge. Our next walk will be a two day camp at Nodden Gate on 1st – 2nd March.
