BMC News

Access and Conservation Latest

Access News

Defending Cwmparc's Mountain Trail: BMC backs community fight for public access

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) supports the community of Cwmparc, Treorchy, who have seen access blocked on an essential route connecting the village with the woodland and mountain trails.

19 Feb
3 min read

Mend Our Mountains Articles

BMC funds fix path to South Downs' most haunted spot - Chanctonbury Ring (plus 5 walks there!)

This December 800m of vital path repair works were completed at Chanctonbury Ring in West Sussex, one of the most prominent landmarks along the South Downs Way, and also one of the spookiest... Learn about the legends and try one of five walks there, if you dare.

30 Jan
2 min read

Mend Our Mountains Articles

500 trees planted by BMC volunteers in the remote North York Moors, plus 6 walks on the wild side

500 birch trees have been planted by BMC volunteers at Bransdale in the North York Moors. Walk these 6 nearby trails to appreciate the beauty of this remote corner of wilderness, south of the popular peak Roseberry Topping.

23 Jan
2 min read

Hill Walking News

New footpath repair and conservation volunteer dates for 2025

Will you help the BMC repair footpaths and avoid carbon loss in 2025 as part of Mend Our Mountains and The Climate Project?

20 Jan
2 min read

Indoor Climbing Latest

Indoor Climbing News

McNeice and Roberts Top Semi-Final Heat at the British Lead Championships in Manchester

The competition is heating up on Day 2 of the British Lead Championships as the semi-finals conclude at the Big Depot, Manchester.

09 Feb
4 min read

Performance News

Roberts, Bridgens, Peetermans, and McNeice lead the way into the Semi-Finals at the British Lead Championships

The qualification round of the 2025 British Lead Championships concluded this evening, with Olympian Toby Roberts top of the Senior Men and a three-way tie at the top of the Senior Women.

08 Feb
3 min read

Performance News

Britain's best go head-to-head at the British Lead Championships in Manchester

This weekend (Saturday 8 February - Sunday 9 February), the country’s top Lead climbers will battle it out for the coveted title of British Champion.

07 Feb
3 min read

Performance News

McNeice, MacDougall, Rinaldi, and Fullwood Crowned 2025 British Boulder Champions

The 2025 British Boulder Championships came to an electrifying conclusion on Sunday 26 January, at Big Depot, Manchester, where Erin McNeice, Jack MacDougall, Iggy Rinaldi, and Spike Fullwood were crowned national champions after an intense weekend of competition.

26 Jan
4 min read

Hill Walking Latest

30 Mar 2025

Midland Area Walks

BMC Midlands Area Walk | Sunday 30 March

BMC members are invited to join a social walk, hosted by BMC Midland Area volunteers, with local BMC volunteer Chris Sweetman guiding the route. This social walk will explore the legend of The Wise Men of Gotham and visit three points that are named after one of the most famous legends - The Cuckoo Bush. These include the site of the cuckoo bush which is

10-11 May 2025

Hill Walking Articles

Mountain Medicine Weekend

The hugely popular BMC/British Mountain Medicine Society Mountain Medicine Weekend takes place every year in Hathersage, Peak District.

Hill Walking Articles

Top 5 Valentine’s Day hikes with AllTrails

Your BMC membership gets you a six month trial to AllTrails worth £17.94 - that’s plenty enough spare for a box of posh choccies and a bottle of wine for your loved one this Valentine’s Day. And where better to devour said chocolates and sip said wine than on one of our top five hikes on that romantic getaway you’ve definitely already planned for them… Don’t worry, we’re here to help - take them on one of these lovely walks on AllTrails:

14 Feb
6 min read

Hillwalking Gear

Ultimate Walking Kit List: Essential gear for every hiker & walker

At the British Mountaineering Council (BMC), we’re passionate about helping walkers, hikers, and mountaineers get the most out of their time in the great outdoors. Whether you’re setting off on a relaxed countryside ramble or tackling a challenging mountain route, having the right gear is essential for safety, comfort, and enjoyment.

13 Feb
3 min read

Indoor Climbing Articles

BMC at the National Outdoor Expo

We're gearing up to head to the National Outdoor Expo in Birmingham on 22rd and 23th March. Will we see you there?

12 Feb
4 min read

Mend Our Mountains Articles

BMC funds fix path to South Downs' most haunted spot - Chanctonbury Ring (plus 5 walks there!)

This December 800m of vital path repair works were completed at Chanctonbury Ring in West Sussex, one of the most prominent landmarks along the South Downs Way, and also one of the spookiest... Learn about the legends and try one of five walks there, if you dare.

30 Jan
2 min read
12 Feb 2025

Hill Walking Event Walks

BMC Peak Area Hill Walk | Wednesday 12 February

BMC members are invited to join a social walk, hosted by BMC Peak Area volunteers, with local BMC volunteer Bev England guiding the route. This walk will explore Baslow Edge and Curbar Edge, returning alongside the River Derwent. We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!

Mend Our Mountains Articles

500 trees planted by BMC volunteers in the remote North York Moors, plus 6 walks on the wild side

500 birch trees have been planted by BMC volunteers at Bransdale in the North York Moors. Walk these 6 nearby trails to appreciate the beauty of this remote corner of wilderness, south of the popular peak Roseberry Topping.

23 Jan
2 min read

Rock Climbing Latest

Rock Climbing Gear

Where can I re-use, repair or recycle my outdoor gear?

A list of retailers and organisations who can help you re-use, repair or recycle your old or unwanted clothing and outdoor kit.

21 Jan
3 min read

Rock Climbing Articles

Eight great first trad leads in the Lake District

Ready to have a go on the sharp end? We've put together a list of eight great choices for your first ever trad lead in the Lake District.

24 Dec
8 min read

Article

The BMC's Best Bits Of 2024

As 2024 comes to a close, we're reflecting on the year gone by, and what a year it's been!

18 Dec
10 min read

Rock Climbing

Climbing ban lifted in Carn Gowla, Cornwall

A peregrine survey by boat with high-quality photography organised by local BMC Access Reps Iain Peters and James Mann has helped to identify peregrine nesting sites so that a blanket ban on climbing at the Cornish climbing site of Carn Cowla can be lifted. A temporary ban had been put in place by the National Trust covering the cliffs between Tubby Head and Bawden Cliff, including major route locations up to and beyond the America Buttress. The ban has now been lifted so all sections are open, with only crag- and area-specific restrictions in place when necessary.

04 Sep
3 min read

Rock Destinations

Five reasons why you need BMC Travel Insurance

Planning an adventure? Remember to pack BMC Travel Insurance. We’ve got your back: from bouldering in France to trekking in India, sport climbing in Kalymnos to new routes in the Himalaya. Here are five reasons why BMC Travel Insurance is built for the mountains.

27 Aug
2 min read

Rock Climbing

Unreasonable ban on climbing at Symonds Yat: climbers dismayed by ongoing climbing ban

A climbers’ meeting this week expressed their opposition to the continued ban on climbing at Symonds Yat, Herefordshire, imposed by Forestry England.

01 Aug
3 min read

News

28 stakes later: new belay anchors installed at Avon Gorge, Bristol

This weekend the BMC joined Avon Access Rep Ben Darby and his team of volunteers near Bristol to install 28 new belay stakes on Main Wall so that climbers no longer need to rely on the wobbly old iron fence as an anchor point. Vegetation was also cleared and a thorough litter pick was carried out.

23 Jul
4 min read

Get Climbing

Five steps to start climbing

Fancy giving climbing a go but don't know where to start? Follow these five easy steps to kick off a lifetime of vertical adventures.

17 Jul
4 min read

Mountaineering Latest

Article

The BMC's Best Bits Of 2024

As 2024 comes to a close, we're reflecting on the year gone by, and what a year it's been!

18 Dec
10 min read

Mountaineering

Top 11 tips to improve your winter hiking & mountaineering for International Mountain Day

With the theme of this year's International Mountain Day, Wed 11 Dec, being “Mountain solutions for a sustainable future – innovation, adaptation and youth”, we share our 11 top tips for upping your winter game from the experts, speaking at three universities as part of the BMC Winter Lecture Series this year.

03 Dec
2 min read

Mountaineering Destinations

Five of the best beginner ski tours in Chamonix

Five of Chamonix's leading ski guides tell us their favourite beginner ski tours in and around Chamonix.

26 Nov
5 min read

Rock Destinations

Five reasons why you need BMC Travel Insurance

Planning an adventure? Remember to pack BMC Travel Insurance. We’ve got your back: from bouldering in France to trekking in India, sport climbing in Kalymnos to new routes in the Himalaya. Here are five reasons why BMC Travel Insurance is built for the mountains.

27 Aug
2 min read

Mountaineering Destinations

How to climb the Breithorn

Want to know everything you need to know about how to climb the Breithorn - one of the classic "4,000ers". Mountain Guide Andy Perkins offers his insider tips.

22 Aug
3 min read

Mountaineering Learn Skills

10 mistakes winter walkers make and how to avoid them

Here’s your heads-up to some of the most common winter walking mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

17 Jul
6 min read

Mountaineering Destinations

How to climb Cosmiques Arete

Get the inside knowledge: IFMGA Mountain Guide Caroline George offers some beta on route-finding, gear, and tackling the cruxes of Chamonix's classic AD alpine route, Cosmiques Arete.

09 Jul
2 min read

Mountaineering Destinations

Top 10 alpine peaks

Get your hands and feet on rocky slopes and snow, taluses and airy gendarme-studded ridges. Why not challenge yourself to reach the summit, or traverse one of our top 10 alpine peaks this summer?

09 Jul
5 min read

Performance Latest

Performance News

GB SkiMo impress in Boí Taüll

The GB SkiMo team put on a determined display at the fourth ISMF World Cup of the 2024/25 season, held in Boí Taüll, Spain, on 1 - 2 February 2025. Known for its high-altitude terrain and consistent snow conditions, Boí Taüll provided a dramatic backdrop for intense competition against the world’s elite. With gutsy performances across individual and relay events, the British athletes demonstrated steady progress as they continue their climb toward the sport’s Olympic debut in 2026.

20 Feb
2 min read

Performance News

GB Paraclimbing Team announced for 2025 Season

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) can today announce the athletes selected for the GB Paraclimbing Team for the 2025 season. A total of 36 climbers have been chosen to represent Great Britain, competing across nine classifications. The athletes will be grouped into three squads - Podium, Progression, and Development - each reflecting different levels of experience and competition goals.

12 Feb
3 min read

Indoor Climbing News

McNeice and Roberts Top Semi-Final Heat at the British Lead Championships in Manchester

The competition is heating up on Day 2 of the British Lead Championships as the semi-finals conclude at the Big Depot, Manchester.

09 Feb
4 min read

Performance News

Roberts, Bridgens, Peetermans, and McNeice lead the way into the Semi-Finals at the British Lead Championships

The qualification round of the 2025 British Lead Championships concluded this evening, with Olympian Toby Roberts top of the Senior Men and a three-way tie at the top of the Senior Women.

08 Feb
3 min read

Performance News

Britain's best go head-to-head at the British Lead Championships in Manchester

This weekend (Saturday 8 February - Sunday 9 February), the country’s top Lead climbers will battle it out for the coveted title of British Champion.

07 Feb
3 min read

Performance News

GB Ice Climbing Team impresses in Champagny-en-Vanoise

The 2025 UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup is well underway, with the latest round taking place in Champagny-en-Vanoise, France.

04 Feb
3 min read

Performance News

GB Skimo Team go head to head with world's best at Andorra ISMF World Cup

The third stage of the ISMF World Cup took place at the end of January in Arinsal, Andorra, where the GB Skimo team faced the demanding terrains of Comapedrosa Natural Park. Organisers adapted to limited snowfall by designing courses exclusively on the alpine slopes, incorporating multiple loops to test the teams’ endurance and technical abilities.

30 Jan
2 min read

Performance News

McNeice, MacDougall, Rinaldi, and Fullwood Crowned 2025 British Boulder Champions

The 2025 British Boulder Championships came to an electrifying conclusion on Sunday 26 January, at Big Depot, Manchester, where Erin McNeice, Jack MacDougall, Iggy Rinaldi, and Spike Fullwood were crowned national champions after an intense weekend of competition.

26 Jan
4 min read

ORGANISATION LATEST

Performance News

British Mountaineering Council to receive Olympic and Paralympic Investment from UK Sport for LA 2028 Cycle

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) has been awarded £2.775 million by UK Sport to invest in the development of a new Paraclimbing programme and to further enhance the Sport Climbing programme ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

16 Dec
3 min read

Governance

Members Open Forum: December Update

The final BMC Open Forum webinar of 2024 took place yesterday evening (11 December 2024), hosted by Mary-Ann Ochota. CEO Paul Ratcliffe and President Dominic Oughton shared updates on new and ongoing initiatives, the current financial position, and an update from the Board and Members Council regarding the future of the BMC headquarters building.

12 Dec
3 min read
05 Mar 2025

Governance

BMC Open Forum | March 5th

As part of our ongoing commitment in creating new opportunities for members to keep up to date with BMC news and activities we are running a series of BMC Open Forum sessions.

11 Jun 2025

Governance

BMC Open Forum | June 11th

As part of our ongoing commitment in creating new opportunities for members to keep up to date with BMC news and activities we are running a series of BMC Open Forum sessions.

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