About the BMC

The British Mountaineering Council is the national representative body that champions the interests of climbers, hill walkers, mountaineers and ski mountaineers in England and Wales. We are a membership organisation and represent over 85,000 members. We are also recognised by government as the national governing body for competition climbing.

How the BMC is run

Organisation News

Governance

BMC Membership Fee Update 2026

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) exists to represent and support climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers and your BMC Membership makes this possible. It funds the vital work we do in protecting access to crags and mountains, delivering conservation projects and managing our eight BMC-owned crags so we can inspire and support routes to adventure for all. 

30 Sep
3 min read

Governance

Terance Li appointed as Independent Director at the British Mountaineering Council

The BMC welcomes Terance Li as an Independent Director who will also serve on the Nominations Committee.

29 Sep
2 min read

Governance

A message from EDI Chair Darren Johnson to the BMC community

Newly appointed EDI Committee Chair, Darren Johnson, recently sat down to write an open letter to all BMC members about the BMC's future approach to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

22 Sep
4 min read

Governance

The British Mountaineering Council launches ambitious Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) has unveiled an ambitious Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) focusing on ensuring that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are inclusive for all.

17 Sep
2 min read

Our Vision

To create a better future for climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers.

Our Purpose

To represent the interests of climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers and inspire all generations.

Our Values

Community: We are the voice for our diverse community of climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers.

Adventure: We believe in the freedom to challenge ourselves, taking personal responsibility for the risks.

Sustainability: We protect our crags and mountains, campaign for improved access and promote environmental sustainability.

Aspiration: We help people improve their skills, confidence and achieve personal ambitions.

Respect: We celebrate the rich variety of British climbing, hill walking and mountaineering; we build inclusive relationships and respect each other.

Our 2020-2024 Mission

We will link the work of all our staff, volunteers, clubs, and partners, to campaign effectively and increase engagement, becoming a stronger voice for climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers.

BMC Local Areas

The BMC divides England and Wales into ten geographical areas: Cymru North Wales; Cymru South Wales; Lakes; London & SE; Midlands; North East; North West; Peak; South West; Yorkshire. BMC Areas provide a focus for local activities and are instrumental in driving national policy. Each BMC Area holds five meetings a year, and each precedes a meeting of the Council, to enable members to make their views known and be communicated to the Council.

Specialist Committees

The BMC relies on a well-established structure of voluntary committees, supported by staff, to develop and oversee much of the organisation’s technical work for members. We classify our Board committees into two categories 'standard' and 'specialist'. The work of the Specialist Committees covers: Access & Conservation, Safeguarding, Clubs, Equity, Hill Walking, Huts, International Mountaineering, Land Management, Technical Equipment, Training, Youth & Walls

A brief history of the BMC

Climbing, hill walking and mountaineering can provide life-long physical, social and mental health benefits through exercise and adventure in amazing environments. The BMC recognises these activities involve a risk of personal injury or death. Participants should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.
BMC Participation Statement

Join and support the BMC today

Join the BMC today and be a part of an 80,000 strong community of passionate individuals who are working to protect the places we love for future generations.

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