Hundreds of young people took on a demanding moorland challenge as they tested their stamina, teamwork and navigation skills in one of Somerset’s largest outdoor youth events.
More than 130 teams competed in the Rotary Exmoor Youth Challenge, tackling a 16-mile route across open moorland in a test that continues to attract participants from across the region and beyond.
The event, held on Saturday, May 2, started and finished at Dulverton School, with teams of four setting off at staggered intervals to complete an unmarked course using written instructions, maps and compasses.
Participants, aged between ten and 17, were required to pass a series of checkpoints along the route, aiming to complete each stage within set time limits. Penalty points were issued for arriving too early or too late, while those who fell significantly behind risked being withdrawn from the challenge.
Only teams who completed the full course within the allotted time and without assistance were awarded medals.
Organisers say the event is designed to promote teamwork, responsibility and endurance, with senior teams given shorter time allowances to complete the same route.
Safety remained a key focus, with more than 600 young people spread across remote areas of Exmoor. Checkpoints were kept in constant radio contact with a central control team, supported by volunteers, Exmoor Search and Rescue, Exmoor Rangers and St John Ambulance.
Each team carried an electronic timing chip, which was used to log arrivals at checkpoints before data was processed at the finish.
The challenge also raises funds through sponsorship for Children’s Hospice South West and continues to grow in popularity, with organisers reporting strong demand for places each year.
