l The Dartmoor Beast was tamed by some 40 determined walkers on Saturday when they took part in a challenging walk around the wilder side of the National Park.

The event was based and hosted from the Fox and Hounds Hotel, Bridestowe.

The arduous event was organised in partnership with CLIC Everest Challenge and the Royal Marines Reserve (Bristol) and featured a choice of a 20 kilometer or 30 kilometer course.

The routes involved river crossings, serious hill walking, knee deep grass, bogs ? with all the hikers carrying heavy packs.

The Mad Hatters ? the only 20km team to finish ? was also the only all female team.

It was formed after American Jeanne Peterson, who is working as a volunteer at the Museum of Dartmoor Life, and fellow walker Sally Holden put out an appeal for other walking enthusiasts to join and create a team.

Jeanne, who is an accomplished walker, said: ?The terrain was rough, wet and hard going; but the weather was gusting winds with periods of sun and the girls were not about to throw the towel in.?

She said the team was ?enthusiastic, determined and out to enjoy themselves?.

?Though tired at the end of their walk they were delighted to have participated and proud of their achievement.?

Event organiser Lee Barker said any reasonably fit person should be able to take part.

?It?s not a race. The challenge is finishing the course ? it is a beast to get around,? he said.

Lee anticipates sponsorship from the Dartmoor Beast will raise around £4,000 which will benefit CLIC directly.

The CLIC Everest Challenge is an expedition planned for 2004 by Lee which aims to place the first childhood cancer survivor on the highest and most extreme point of the planet ? the summit of Mount Everest.

When he was 16 Lee was diagnosed with cancer of the lymphatic system and underwent surgery and intensive chemotherapy.

?I am indebted to organisations such as CLIC that have featured so prominently in my life and indeed my development and subsequent achievements. Without the help from CLIC and the doctors I and many others would not be here to enjoy life at all.?

Lee hopes the project will raise funds and hopefully inspiration to those affected by the illness.