Dear Member,  In 1944, Geoffrey Winthrop-Young, President of the Alpine Club, brought about a motion to create the BMC, a representative body to represent and speak on behalf of all climbers in Britain. As we turn the corner on our 80th year it’s important to remember our history and the vision of our founding member clubs as we look to what better looks like for the BMC in 2025. 

Annwyl Aelod,  Ym 1944, cyflwynodd Geoffrey Winthrop-Young, Llywydd y Clwb Alpaidd, gynnig i greu'r BMC, corff cynrychioliadol i gynrychioli a siarad ar ran holl ddringwyr Prydain. Wrth i ni droi'r gornel ar ein 80ed flwyddyn mae’n bwysig cofio ein hanes a gweledigaeth ein Clybiau a oedd yn aelodau sefydlol wrth i ni edrych i weld beth mae ‘gwell’ yn ei olygu i’r BMC yn 2025. 

Consultation on Wales’ proposed new National Park – member’s views needed.

In December 2023, the BMC launched the biggest in-depth survey of UK adult climbers, their motivations and their coaching needs. Here we discuss the survey findings and highlight some areas of interest. Here's the summary of data and our findings.

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.

As the nearest natural climbing area to the Paris 2024 Olympics, the bouldering paradise destination of Fontainebleau (Font) is a good shout after watching all that inspiring climbing. Before you head off, read this essential information for your own safety and to protect the rock itself.

While Paris 2024 is a fantastic watch and we’re cheering our TeamGB climbers on with gusto, scaling brightly-coloured, plastic holds isn’t for everyone. Cue Fontainebleau (Font), a world-renowned bouldering destination on natural rock, deep in the forest, only 70km south of this year’s Olympic capital city.

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

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

When it comes to gift-giving, we know the best things in life aren't always 'things'! Team BMC have been hard at work putting together a list of really great Christmas gift ideas that are a bit ‘outside the box’...

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

The BMC Incident and Near Miss reporting system helps to promote reflection and effect behavioural change to reduce the potential for future incidents.

Bouldering outside for the first time can range from being a wonderful experience to an off-putting sufferfest. By being prepared and properly equipped, you are more likely to have a brilliant time and become hooked as so many of us do. So, read on and watch the playlist before heading out to make the best of your trip. 

A series of guides to some of the most popular scrambles in England, Scotland and Wales.

Here's what you need to think about when moving together for scrambling and climbing

Do you know your gaston from your guppy, and can you spray about it while sandbagging your mate? Find out what it all means with our guide to climbing terminology.

It’s Britain, it’s summer, and it’s wet. Why am I not surprised? But all is not lost! There are ways to circumvent the weather when you want to go climbing...

Scrambling is sometimes described as the middle ground between walking and climbing - and for the higher grades in particular, you’ll need some basic climbing skills. Here's our guide to staying safe on the rock.

With an ever increasing choice from manufacturers, the hardest part about buying a dynamic climbing rope can be deciphering what’s on offer, and understanding how it relates to your chosen activity. The days of simply choosing 9mm or 11mm are long gone, and from a light single to a heavy half, things can get very confusing.

It might seem like a lofty goal, but maybe it’s time to give 8a a go. All you need is the right route, a shot of determination, and to read this 10 step guide on how to climb 8a.

Welcome to the 'UFO sector' of the remote Bektau mountains of Kazakhstan.

British climbing legend Steve McClure highlights his top five winter destinations for warm rock.

Dreaming of big numbers this year? We reveal six sizzling holiday rock destinations that will send your grade through the roof. Whether your sight is on 6b or you're aching for 8a, here are Steve McClure's top picks.

Think that you can't climb towers like these? Think again. Clip into our top ten via ferratas and reach heights that normal walks just can't reach.

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.

Travel insurance may add to the costs of a holiday. However, travelling with the right policy in place gives you the confidence to travel and enjoy your adventurous activities without worry. If you’ve recently had a quote for BMC Travel Insurance and wondered why it seems to be unexpectedly expensive, read on for some information that might be helpful.

While Paris 2024 is a fantastic watch and we’re cheering our TeamGB climbers on with gusto, scaling brightly-coloured, plastic holds isn’t for everyone. Cue Fontainebleau (Font), a world-renowned bouldering destination on natural rock, deep in the forest, only 70km south of this year’s Olympic capital city.

Filmmaker, photographer and writer Jessie Leong tackles Brigata Tridentina in the Dolomites, home to a dizzying amount of these iron pathways drilled in the mountains