BMC News

Access and Conservation Latest

Wild Camping

The BMC is standing up for wild campers 

Wild camping - pitching your tent in a quiet place and leaving no trace - has long been a much-loved part of outdoor adventure. But across most of England and Wales, it remains off-limits, unclear, or unlawful. In 2025, the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) is working to change that. 

19 Jun
5 min read

Access News

"Climbing saved my life" BMC Access Rep Iain Peters on surviving sexual abuse

BMC Atlantic Coast Access Rep Iain Peters has, in addition to securing access for climbers in Cornwall, been climbing his own mountain - writing The Corridor, a memoir of his life as a climber, a sport that saved him from horrific childhood trauma.

19 Jun
8 min read
23 Jun 2025

Mend Our Mountains events

BMC Access Network Zoom Webinar / Q&A | 'For Peat's Sake' BMC upland conservation in action

On Monday 23rd June, at 18.30 - 19.30, Steve Charles, volunteer coordinator of our Mend Our Mountain path repair days conservation volunteer days, is running a zoom webinar on how BMC volunteers are repairing footpaths, helping restore damaged upland landscapes and fighting the climate crisis.

Access News

BMC volunteers lay 25m of new, stone-pitched footpath in the Lake District

This June, 11 BMC volunteers took on a particularly boggy section of path along St Raven's Edge, above Kirkstone Pass in the Lake District.

13 Jun
2 min read

Indoor Climbing Latest

Indoor Climbing News

New discounts for BMC members at The Foundry Climbing Centre, Sheffield

From May 1st 2025, there’s now three different ways BMC members can save money when climbing at The Foundry Climbing Centre.

08 May
2 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

Hill Walking Latest

Wild Camping

The BMC is standing up for wild campers 

Wild camping - pitching your tent in a quiet place and leaving no trace - has long been a much-loved part of outdoor adventure. But across most of England and Wales, it remains off-limits, unclear, or unlawful. In 2025, the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) is working to change that. 

19 Jun
5 min read
21 Aug 2025

Hill Walking Event Walks

BMC Peak Area Hill Walk | Thursday 21 August

This social walk will explore the gritstone features along Derwent Edge, find a “Lost Lad” and return alongside Abbey Brook and Upper Derwent Reservoir. For the baggers amongst you we’ll be visiting 2 ethels and a trig.

23 Jun 2025

Mend Our Mountains events

BMC Access Network Zoom Webinar / Q&A | 'For Peat's Sake' BMC upland conservation in action

On Monday 23rd June, at 18.30 - 19.30, Steve Charles, volunteer coordinator of our Mend Our Mountain path repair days conservation volunteer days, is running a zoom webinar on how BMC volunteers are repairing footpaths, helping restore damaged upland landscapes and fighting the climate crisis.

Access News

BMC volunteers lay 25m of new, stone-pitched footpath in the Lake District

This June, 11 BMC volunteers took on a particularly boggy section of path along St Raven's Edge, above Kirkstone Pass in the Lake District.

13 Jun
2 min read

Access News

BMC Access & Conservation Trust partners with 1% for the Planet!

The BMC's Access & Conservation Trust (ACT) has joined the 1% for the Planet Environmental Partners network.

12 Jun
3 min read
03 Aug 2025

Hill Walking Event Walks

BMC Peak Area Hill Walk | Sunday 3rd August

This social walk will explore Winscar Reservoir, South Nab and Snailsden Pike, offering fine views, visiting 3 trig. points, 2 Ethels and with a little historical interest along the way. We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!

31 Jul 2025

Lakes Area Walks

BMC Lakes Area Helm Crag Hike | Thursday 31st July

This social walk will climb to the top of Helm Crag, with an optional visit to the actual highest point.

Access & Conservation

Senedd scraps cut-off date for recording historic paths in Wales

Last week, the Senedd in Cardiff passed the Legislation (Procedure, Publication and Repeals) (Wales) Bill, effectively removing the threat of thousands of unrecorded footpaths being lost across Wales.

30 May
3 min read

Rock Climbing Latest

Rock Climbing Articles

Fairy Cave Quarry Access

Fairy Cave Quarry requires access through a gate with a combination lock. Here's how climbers can gain access to the quarry.

20 Jun
2 min read

Rock Climbing Gear

Bolts and Fixed Equipment

With summer on the horizon here’s a timely safety reminder about bolts and other fixed equipment on our crags when rock climbing.

18 Jun
4 min read

Indoor Climbing Learn

Training for climbing and walking during pregnancy

This article aims to educate and to direct you to further resources so that you feel informed and empowered when making decisions about training for climbing and walking during pregnancy.

05 Jun
10 min read

Rock Climbing Gear

Five items you'll want for your Alpine trip this summer at Snow+Rock

When tackling the high peaks of the European Alps - where altitudes often soar between 3,000 and 4,000 metres - having the right gear isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. Whether you're summitting your first alpine peak or pushing into more technical terrain, equipping yourself properly ensures safety, comfort, and performance in mountain environments. From eyewear and poles to skincare and technical equipment, here’s Snow+Rock's recommendations on what you need for a successful alpine adventure.

03 Jun
5 min read

Rock Climbing News

Climbing legend Chris Bonington helps BMC access iconic Skeleton Ridge route on The Needles, Isle of Wight

With the help from Chris Bonington and other legendary climbers, the BMC has reached an agreement with the Isle of Wight National Trust about rock climbing access at Skeleton Ridge on The Needles.

31 May
3 min read

Wild Camping

Supreme Court rules that Wild Camping on Dartmoor is legal

The legal right to wild camp on the Dartmoor Commons has been upheld by the Supreme Court, marking a significant victory for public access to nature.

21 May
1 min read

Rock Climbing Articles

How to claim BMC Personal Accident Cover

If you're an Individual BMC member who has been involved in a climbing (rock or plastic), hill walking or mountaineering accident, you could benefit from £10,000 Personal Accident cover included in your membership - you never know when it might come in handy.

12 May
5 min read

Hill Walking News

New Plas y Brenin discounts for BMC members in renewed partnership

We’ve been working on some special offers for BMC members with our partners at Plas y Brenin, the National Outdoor Centre. Keep reading to discover how to access discounted skills courses for yourself.

01 May
3 min read

Mountaineering Latest

Mountaineering Destinations

How to climb Triglav - the highest mountain in Slovenia

Triglav (2,864m) is Slovenia’s highest mountain and a symbolic peak in the Julian Alps, appearing on both the country’s coat of arms and flag and giving its name - meaning “three-headed” - to the surrounding Triglav National Park.

16 Jun
5 min read

Access News

BMC Access & Conservation Trust partners with 1% for the Planet!

The BMC's Access & Conservation Trust (ACT) has joined the 1% for the Planet Environmental Partners network.

12 Jun
3 min read

Rock Climbing Articles

How to claim BMC Personal Accident Cover

If you're an Individual BMC member who has been involved in a climbing (rock or plastic), hill walking or mountaineering accident, you could benefit from £10,000 Personal Accident cover included in your membership - you never know when it might come in handy.

12 May
5 min read

Mountaineering Articles

What is SkiMo, the new Winter Olympic Sport in Milano-Cortina 2026?

Ski mountaineering — or SkiMo for short — will make its Olympic debut at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games. As qualification heats up and the GB SkiMo Squad progress through the ranks, here’s a look at what the sport involves, what shape it will take in the Winter Olympics and the ones to watch…

07 May
6 min read

Performance News

Innes and Wild round out Skimo season with strong performance at Trofeo Mezzalama

GB Skimo’s Iain Innes and Finlay Wild capped off the 2024/25 Ski Mountaineering season with a 20th place finish at the ISMF Skimo Long Distance World Championships at the XXIV Trofeo Mezzalama, one of the world’s toughest and most celebrated ski mountaineering races.

06 May
2 min read

Hill Walking News

Rescue data highlights importance of outdoor preparedness

With the Easter Bank Holiday approaching and more people than ever heading to the hills, the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) is echoing a vitally important message from Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW): be prepared, be informed, and don’t rely on your phone alone.

16 Apr
1 min read

Mountaineering News

Global climbing connections made at Scottish Winter Meet

Over 60 climbers from 20 countries took to the Scottish hills from 2-7 March for the first International Winter Meet since 2020. Organised by Mountaineering Scotland in partnership with the BMC, The Scottish Mountaineering Club and The Alpine Club, the event paired visiting climbers with hosts to share knowledge, exchange skills and form international friendships in the beating heart of Scottish winter climbing.

03 Apr
11 min read

Mountaineering News

SkiMo World Cup Season Round-up 2024/2025

Ahead of the final two World Cups of the ISMF 2024/2025 Ski Mountaineering series, we take a look back at the highlights for the GB SkiMo Squad in this Winter Olympic qualifying season so far. 

01 Apr
6 min read

Performance Latest

Performance News

Dad of a Champion: A Father's Day interview with Carl McNeice

This Father’s Day, we speak to the dedicated dad of GB Climber, Erin McNeice. What does it take to bring up a World Cup winner? Carl McNeice spoke to the BMC about the commitment and support required — and how to balance the challenging and co-existing roles of father, coach, manager, belayer, taxi and Bank of Dad…

13 Jun
6 min read

Performance News

European Youth Cup Graz: Silver for Sam Hammond in U19 Men's Boulder

Great Britain’s Sam Hammond delivered an outstanding performance at the IFSC European Boulder Youth Cup in Graz this past weekend, securing a silver medal in the U19 Men’s competition - his first podium finish in Boulder on the international stage.

12 May
2 min read

Performance News

Innes and Wild round out Skimo season with strong performance at Trofeo Mezzalama

GB Skimo’s Iain Innes and Finlay Wild capped off the 2024/25 Ski Mountaineering season with a 20th place finish at the ISMF Skimo Long Distance World Championships at the XXIV Trofeo Mezzalama, one of the world’s toughest and most celebrated ski mountaineering races.

06 May
2 min read

Performance News

GB Climbing: IFSC 2025 competition season preview

With the first senior IFSC World Cups just around the corner, the GB Climbing Teams are preparing for the busy 2025 season ahead.

15 Apr
7 min read

Performance News

BMC welcomes decision for three standalone medal events for sport climbing at LA28

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) welcomes the news from the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that Sport Climbing will feature three standalone medal events at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

10 Apr
2 min read

Mountaineering News

SkiMo World Cup Season Round-up 2024/2025

Ahead of the final two World Cups of the ISMF 2024/2025 Ski Mountaineering series, we take a look back at the highlights for the GB SkiMo Squad in this Winter Olympic qualifying season so far. 

01 Apr
6 min read

Performance News

BMC announces England National and Regional Squads for 2025

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) can today announce the climbers who have been named as part of the England National and Regional Squads for the 2025 season.

14 Mar
1 min read

Performance News

MacDougall takes first medal of the international season in Munich

The international climbing season got underway this past weekend with the IFSC Boulder European Cup in Munich, Germany, with a strong showing from the eight athletes representing Great Britain.

10 Mar
3 min read

ORGANISATION LATEST

Governance

BMC strengthens leadership ahead of the 2025 – 2030 strategy

Today the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) has announced the appointment of James Thomas and Brent Diffin to its Board of Directors and Lee Kenny as its new Head of Commercial.

12 Jun
2 min read

Governance

John Willmott to step down from BMC Board

The Board of the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) today announces that Interim Chair of the Board, John Willmott, will step down from his position as Senior Independent Director on 30 May 2025.

15 May
1 min read

Governance

Catherine Hawkins appointed as Chair of the BMC Board

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Catherine Hawkins as Chair of its Board of Directors. Catherine will commence her term in June 2025, bringing with her a wealth of leadership experience and a deep-rooted passion for outdoor recreation and conservation.

25 Mar
3 min read

News

BMC share 2025 budget and key priorities for year ahead

At it’s recent Members Open Forum the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) shared their budget priorities for the 2025/2026 financial year.

07 Mar
3 min read

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