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

Cerdded Bryniau Newyddion

Sara Javid appointed Chair of the BMC Hill Walking Committee

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) can announce that Sara Javid has been appointed the new Chair for the Hill Walking Group Committee.

27 Tach
2 min read

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 Medi
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 Medi
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 Medi
4 min read

Our Vision

Inspiring and supporting routes to adventure. For all.

Our Purpose

From walls to wild places. For every climber, hill walker and mountaineer.

To do this, we are:

  • Campaigning for access and environment
  • Opening activities for all
  • Developing skills for adventure
  • Building clubs and communities
  • Inspiring performance
  • Growing our reach

Our Values

CARE: for our own actions, for each other, and for the places where we adventure.

Community: strength in collaboration, belonging and shared purpose.

Adventure: inspiration through curiosity, courage and challenge.

Respect: inclusivity in how we listen, understand and behave.

Environment: action that protects places for today and tomorrow.

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

Route to Adventure 2030 Strategy

Where adventure begins... and keeps on going. From climbing walls to mountain peaks, we are building a movement where challenge is invited, access is open and there's a route for everyone.

Click here to read our Route to Adventure.

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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