The BMC and Cotswold Outdoor extend partnership to inspire the next generation of hill walkers

As the BMC's Official Hill Walking Programme Partner, Cotswold Outdoor will continue to support the delivery of social hill walks across England and Wales, welcoming walkers of all abilities into the outdoors. Whether it's someone's first day on the hill or the start of a lifelong connection with walking in the mountains, the programme is designed to build confidence, develop skills and encourage people to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of time spent in nature.

The extension comes as participation in hill and mountain walking continues to grow across England. More than 3.5 million adults now take part each year, with participation increasing by almost 40% over the past decade, according to Sport England's Active Lives research. As participation continues to rise, ensuring there are welcoming routes into hill walking, alongside a strong focus on protecting the landscapes people explore, has never been more important.

For the BMC, encouraging participation goes hand in hand with conserving the places that make it possible. Through Cotswold Outdoor's Pennies campaign, customers who chose to round up their purchases have helped raise more than £46,000 since 2023 for the BMC's Mend Our Mountains campaign and The Climate Project. The funding has helped us deliver vital path restoration and conservation work across some of England and Wales’ most loved upland landscapes.

Lee Kenny, Head of Commercial at the BMC, said:

"We're delighted to be extending our partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. More people are discovering hill walking than ever before, and that's something to celebrate. By supporting our Hill Walking Programme, Cotswold Outdoor is helping us create welcoming opportunities for people to take those first steps into the hills, build confidence and become part of our outdoor community. At the same time, our partnership continues to support vital conservation work, ensuring these special places remain accessible for future generations to come.”

Mary Antieul, Head of Commercial at Cotswold Outdoor said:

At Cotswold Outdoor, we believe everyone should feel inspired, supported and confident to enjoy the outdoors in their own way. We’re proud to continue our partnership with the BMC, helping more people discover the benefits of hill walking and find their own route into adventure with the right kit, trusted advice and support to get them started. Thanks to the generosity of our customers through the Pennies campaign, and the efforts of our partnership, we’re also helping to protect the landscapes that make those experiences so special.