Dartmoor Challenge Saturday 26th September 2026
Time:8am
Place: Haytor Visitor Centre
Price: £45pp entry fee plus we ask you to aim to fundraise a minimum of £100 pp.
Are you and your team ready to take on our biggest challenge yet?
What is The Dartmoor Challenge?
It's a self-supported (13.5 mile, so half marathon length) hike over some of the most beautiful, remote, and challenging terrain that Dartmoor has to offer.
It may be beautiful, but don’t be fooled, this is no gentle ramble on the moor, with 716m of elevation, and five challenges to complete along the way, this will test your teamwork, resilience, navigation and fitness.
What are the Challenges?
For the first time, we are handing over the handles of our stretcher to you, letting you loose with our throw bags, relying on your search skills and putting you in our boots.
- Can you and your team complete a stretcher assault course?
- Can you identify a missing person?
- Is your team able to search an area for items?
- Can you throw a throw line to rescue someone in the water?
- Can you and your team navigate a rope kit spider web?
What is The Route?
Starting at Haytor, you’ll set off over to Hound Tor, onto Jays Grave and across to Natsworthy. Then you will face a big climb to the top of Hameldown where you will walk along its incredible ridge and down into Widecombe in the Moor.
From Widecombe, it’s yet another long climb up to Bonehill Rocks where you will then strike out for Top Tor, Rippon Tor and Saddle Tor before heading for the finish line at Haytor!
Will there be support?
You are expected to be able to navigate and support yourselves for a full day on Dartmoor, so you will need to have the right kit with you which needs to include a full set of waterproofs, hiking boot/ appropriate footwear, food and drink to keep you going all day and a map and compass. You will see us along the route at regular intervals and we will be on hand to support if required. We will also be meeting you at the challenge stations where we will be giving you some tips to help you with the challenges before putting you through your paces!
How Big does a team need to be?
You will need to be in a team of 6, this is because, as a mountain rescue team, it takes at least 6 people to carry a stretcher and to carry out certain tasks.
I don’t have 6 in my team, can I/we still enter?
Yes! You can entire as a single or a small team, we will put you into a team of 6 with like minded others!
Are there prizes for the winning team?
Yes! You’ll be scoring points on each of the challenges for your team and the top teams will be getting a prize!
What is the entry fee and fundraising goal?
Entry fee is £45 per person, and we ask that each person aim to fundraise £100 or more for our charity! This is no walk in the park, and is a challenge for you to be proud of, so share your story far and wide and don’t forget to tell us how much you have raised.
Not all heroes wear red jackets!
Did you know that as a team we are 100% volunteer run and funded by public donations?
That is why you signing up to this funding raising event means so much - by paying your entry fee and getting sponsorship - you are actively keeping us operational and ready to help the lost, missing or injured!
Will there be event photos and media coverage?
Absolutely! We plan to have a small media team covering the event and posting updates on social media, this way your friends and family can look out for you and see what you are doing. We also hope to have an event photographer on the route to capture all your hard graft on the course!
*If you would like to opt out of appearing in any social media posts this is absolutely no problem at all, please let us know via email at the time of booking.
Is there a corporate sponsorship package?
Yes! If you would like to know more about corporate sponsorship please email fundraising@dsrtashburton.org.uk
Any other questions about the event?
Email: fundraising@dsrtashburton.org.uk
We Can’t Wait To Welcome You!
See you at the Start Line!
