Are you ready, for the Ultimate Test?

Can you face the same punishing selection process as the world’s most elite warriors?

October 3-4, 2025. Dartmoor.

What is the Ultimate Challenge?

This is a test like no other.

Over two brutal days, you’ll be immersed in a world that few get to experience.

Can you make it through the same punishing selection process as our most elite fighting force?

A challenge that will push your physical and mental limits to breaking point.

Run by an expert team of ex-forces operators, it’s a chance to unlock new levels of high performance to build your resilience, whilst supporting young people to build theirs.

To even earn your place, you must raise £15,000 for the High Performance Foundation.

Are you in?

Want to find out more? Sign up for our live Q&A.

The Mission.

Day 1:

Embark on the ultimate physical test. Fatigue will hit. Doubt will creep in. But stopping is not an option. You'll then experience a speed-boat insertion to a private island in the cover of darkness - can you retake the island?

Day 2:

You are being hunted. You must evade. You'll experience tactical warfare, explosive missions, and a high-stakes hostage rescue. This is leadership under fire.

Why Enter?

  • Prove you have what it takes to complete the ultimate test of high performance.

  • The chance to write a story that will define you.

  • Strengthen your resilience and mental strength under pressure.

  • Step-out of your comfort-zone.

  • Sharpen your leadership instincts.

  • Raise vital funds to build mental strength and resilience in young people, so they can write their own story, and believe it’s within.

    Spaces are limited. Only a few will be accepted. Are you in?

The Details.

What: A two-day challenge like no other, testing your mental and physical limits.

Where: Meeting point - Gidleigh Woods, Devon.

When: 3-4th October, 2025

Entry Fee: £475.00

Minimum Fundraising Pledge: £15,000

What’s involved:

3rd October: Immersion & Mission Execution

  • Arrival at Gidleigh Woods - welcome briefing and kit issue.

  • Mission Briefing.

  • Insertion Phase Physical Challenge - a physical distance test that will see you pushed to your physical limits across rugged terrain.

  • Transport to Plymouth Marina.

  • Zodiac Speedboat Insertion to Drake’s Island.

  • Objective Capture - can you retake the island?

  • Overnight on Drake’s Island.

4th October: Tactical Withdrawal & Final Challenge

  • Escape & Evade - you will be hunted. You will be tested. Can you escape?

  • Endurance Challenge - another gruelling physical challenge, putting your endurance to the test.

  • Final Obstacle - a test of both mental and physical resilience.

  • Mission Completion - a military-style toast to your completed challenge.

  • Ceremonial Dinner - a celebration dinner at Stonehouse Barracks in Plymouth, held in the Sergeant’s Mess.

Limited Spaces.

Want to know more? Join our live Q&A on Monday 7th July at 6pm. Register here.

Do you have what it takes?

Or register your interest to find out more.

  • The Ultimate Challenge is a two-day SAS selection-style endurance event set in the rugged terrain of Dartmoor National Park, UK. Inspired by UK Special Forces selection, it tests your physical resilience, mental toughness, navigation skills, and grit.

  • Expect:

    • Long-distance loaded marches across tough terrain

    • Navigation with map and compass (no GPS allowed)

    • Minimal sleep

    • Time-based checkpoints

    • Mental and physical tasks under pressure

    Each day will simulate real military-style test phases.

  • Yes, we will be hosted a bespoke training day in early September for participants, which will help build the endurance and resilience skills needed for this event.

  • Yes, all your accommodation and food will be provided from 3rd-4th October. Accommodation the evening of 2nd October in Exeter will be offered at a discounted rate.

  • No, but a high level of fitness, discipline, and mental toughness is essential. Experience in long-distance trekking, load carrying, and mountain navigation is strongly advised.

  • Spaces are limited and we are looking for those who will excel, both at the challenge and fundraising the target amount. We ask those interested to apply, and then we will be contact to arrange a follow-up call with our team.

  • Yes! Contact beth@highperformance foundation.org.uk to register your interest or sign up for our live Q&A on Monday 7th July here.

  • The minimum fundraising target is £15,000. This can either be donated or raised through fundraising. You can set up a Just Giving page to fundraise for this event.

FAQs