A WEST Devon detective who lives in the Yelverton area has completed his sponsored challenge to circumnavigate Dartmoor by running and swimming within 24 hours after an initial attempt was foiled by bad weather.

DC Steve Bradfield completed the 'Dartmoor Round' off-road course in 22hrs 16 mins on Saturday, July 19 and surpassed his original target of raising £600 for the NSPCC by £205 — he now hopes to raise £1,000.

As far as he is aware, the course has only been run once before, on the eve of the millennium.

Steve had originally planned to do the run and swim on his 45th birthday, July 5. 'I started with a forcast of heavy rain in the hope that the weather would improve en route, but it didn't!' Steve said of that first attempt.

'All went well until the first major river crossing: the Tavy was thundering down the valley which called for a 8km detour and the start of the swimming sections.

'This involved jumping into the fast flowing river and striking out for the opposite bank before I got swept into the next set of rapids.'

After three more swims and some long detours Steve arrived at the Okehampton checkpoint two hours late, having covered 30 miles of a leg that should have been about 19 miles.

With further larger rivers to cross in darkness he decided to postpone the run due to the risk involved and the route was not possible in 24 hours with the detours required.

Last Saturday the rivers were passable. Although the weather improved, long grass and vegetation made it 'hard going', but he said the run south towards Vennford Reservoir was 'enjoyable'.

'Twelve miles to home and I really began to suffer. The final climb up Sheepstor was the slowest walk of my life and the downhill after not much faster but we finished in time for me to fall asleep over a pint of Jail Ale in the Royal Oak!' Steve said.

The route was 80 miles and from Meavy followed Sheepstor, Sharpitor, Ingra Tor, Pew Tor, Cox Tor, Standon Hill, Ger Tor, Bray Tor, Branscombes Loaf, High Willhays, Oke Tor, Cosdon Beacon, Rippa Tor, Thornworthy Tor, Hameldon Tor, Hameldon Beacon, Corndon Tor, Sharp Tor, Pupers Hill, Cornydon Ball, Butterdown Hill, Western Beacon, Staldon Burrow, Penn Beacon, Trowlesworthy Tor, Gutter Tor, Sheepstor and back to Meavy.

Steve said the challenge had only been possible thanks to support from many people, whom he thanked.

He had support runners for all of the legs.

Donations for the NSPCC for the run can still be made at the website http://www.justgiving.com/">www.justgiving.com/

stevebradfield