With the main Ten Tors event on Dartmoor cancelled, a committed group of six Year 10 students continued with their training as best they could through lockdown in order to complete an alternative St Bart’s 35 mile challenge.
The weather at the start was not kind, as they set off from Old Burghclere in full waterproofs and with full expedition kit at 8am on the morning of Saturday 8 May in pouring rain. But they kept their spirits high and as the day wore on the weather improved as their legs got wearier. They kept up a good pace throughout the day to complete 34km (21 miles) by 5.30pm, finishing just outside Rivar in Wiltshire.
As they were not then allowed to camp, parents were called on to collect them, and after a good night’s sleep they returned rejuvenated to the same point to continue their expedition on Sunday morning. With only (!) 14 miles to complete on Sunday, they arrived at 8am ready to go again, even though there were some sore feet from the previous day’s efforts.
The team completed their 35 miles at 2.15pm, and were greeted at school by staff, parents, Cornish pasties and medals.
