The Ten Tors consists of several series of photographs taken on Dartmoor in the South West of England from 2017 to 2020. The work documents teenagers from South Dartmoor college training for The Ten Tors during the harsh winter months. Fighting against the wind and rain and enveloped in fog, the photographs capture the the quiet suffering, strength and endurance of the teenagers.
Background
The Ten Tors Walk is a challenging long-distance walk that takes place annually on the rugged and remote moorland of Dartmoor in South Devon, England. It is organised by the British Army and is open to young people between the ages of 14 and 19 from various schools, youth groups, and cadet organisations. The teams navigate routes of 35, 45 or 55 miles (depending on age) The event's primary goal is to promote teamwork, self-reliance, and outdoor skills while encouraging young participants to explore the beautiful and sometimes harsh wilderness of Dartmoor.
The first Ten Tors event took place in May 1960, with around 204 young participants divided into 20 teams. It was an instant success, and the event quickly gained popularity. Over the years, it has evolved and expanded, with more schools and organisations taking part, with now close to 2500 young people taking part each year.
The Ten Tors requires participants to navigate a set route on Dartmoor, visiting ten specific tors along the way. These tors are spread out across the moorland and range in height, difficulty, and distance between them. Participants must plan and execute their own routes, relying on map and compass navigation skills. Before the event they spend up to six months training, initially accompanied by qualified staff, who teach map reading skills and prepare the teenagers to be self sufficient, generously volunteering their time to support the students.
The Ten Tors Walk is not a race in the traditional sense, but rather a challenging outdoor experience that encourages teamwork, leadership, navigation skills, and personal growth. It has become a rite of passage for many young people in the South West of England, providing them with a unique opportunity to test their limits and experience the natural beauty of Dartmoor while learning valuable life skills.