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.
Who we are
Organisation News
News
Since 1944, the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) has championed access and shared vital knowledge for every hill walker, climber, and mountaineer. As we celebrate 80 years of adventure, we now look towards our next chapter and are asking for your support in developing the strategy for 2025-2030.
Perfformiad Newyddion
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.
Governance
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.
Governance
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.
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
Our services
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.