Latest
Mountaineering Articles
Why has a World Day for Glaciers been set up for the first time this year, combined with World Water Day, on 20-21 March 2025? Why should BMC members be concerned about global glacier loss and most importantly, what can we do to help?
Hill Walking Event Walks
BMC members and non-members are invited to join a social walk exploring the southern sandstone area in Kent.
Midland Area Walks
BMC members and non-members are invited to join a social walk, hosted by BMC Midland Area volunteers, with local BMC volunteer Chris Sweetman guiding the route. This social walk will explore the legend of The Wise Men of Gotham and visit three points that are named after one of the most famous legends - The Cuckoo Bush.
Hill Walking Articles
The hugely popular BMC/British Mountain Medicine Society Mountain Medicine Weekend takes place every year in Hathersage, Peak District.
Hill Walking Articles
Your BMC membership gets you a six month trial to AllTrails worth £17.94 - that’s plenty enough spare for a box of posh choccies and a bottle of wine for your loved one this Valentine’s Day. And where better to devour said chocolates and sip said wine than on one of our top five hikes on that romantic getaway you’ve definitely already planned for them… Don’t worry, we’re here to help - take them on one of these lovely walks on AllTrails:
Hillwalking Gear
At the British Mountaineering Council (BMC), we’re passionate about helping walkers, hikers, and mountaineers get the most out of their time in the great outdoors. Whether you’re setting off on a relaxed countryside ramble or tackling a challenging mountain route, having the right gear is essential for safety, comfort, and enjoyment.
Indoor Climbing Articles
We're gearing up to head to the National Outdoor Expo in Birmingham on 22rd and 23th March. Will we see you there?
Mend Our Mountains Articles
This December 800m of vital path repair works were completed at Chanctonbury Ring in West Sussex, one of the most prominent landmarks along the South Downs Way, and also one of the spookiest... Learn about the legends and try one of five walks there, if you dare.
LEARN
Hillwalking Gear
At the British Mountaineering Council (BMC), we’re passionate about helping walkers, hikers, and mountaineers get the most out of their time in the great outdoors. Whether you’re setting off on a relaxed countryside ramble or tackling a challenging mountain route, having the right gear is essential for safety, comfort, and enjoyment.
Rock Climbing Gear
A list of retailers and organisations who can help you re-use, repair or recycle your old or unwanted clothing and outdoor kit.
Rock Climbing Skills
A series of guides to some of the most popular scrambles in England, Scotland and Wales.
Hillwalking Skills
Are you a hill walker wanting to tackle steeper terrain, but nervous about heights? Don’t panic – there are steps you can take to fight the fear.
Hillwalking Skills
How to choose an ice axe for your next winter adventure
Hillwalking Skills
In this guide, we share tips to help you navigate your way back to safety in the event of a whiteout.
Hillwalking Skills
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.
Hillwalking Skills
The mountains at night can be hazardous, but also wonderful. Here are a handful of helpful tips for exploring the dark side.
Lakes Area Walks
BMC members are invited to join a social hike, hosted by BMC Lakes volunteers, with local BMC volunteer Rose Gare-Simmons guiding the route. This social walk will be a 21km circular route starting from Kentmere. We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!
Lakes Area Walks
BMC members are invited to join a social hike, hosted by BMC Lakes volunteers, with local BMC volunteer Rose Gare-Simmons guiding the route. This social walk will be a 9km circular route starting from Langdale. We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!
Lakes Area Walks
BMC members are invited to join a social hike, hosted by BMC Lakes volunteers, with local BMC volunteer Rose Gare-Simmons guiding the route. This social walk will be a 7km circular route starting from Tilberthwaite. We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!
Lakes Area Walks
BMC members are invited to join a social hike, hosted by BMC Lakes volunteers, with local BMC volunteer Rose Gare-Simmons guiding the route. This social walk will be a 13km circular route starting from Latrigg Car Park, North Lakes. We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!
Training
Hillwalking Qualification Training
Whether you want a career in the outdoors, or to improve your own personal skills, there are a number of training providers offering courses and instruction.
Hillwalking Qualification Training
If you’d like to guide people up hills in winter conditions the Winter Mountain Leader qualification could be for you.
Article
Take a look at the Lowland Leader scheme, so you can decide whether it’s the right qualification for you.
Hillwalking Qualification Training
Find out more about the Camping Leader qualification, so you can decide whether it’s right for you.
Hillwalking Qualification Training
Fancy a life leading treks abroad? The International Mountain Leader may be the qualification for you
Hillwalking Qualification Training
Take a look at the Hill & Moorland Leader qualification, so you can decide whether it’s right for you.
OutdoorHer
OutdoorHer is a resource for everyone who is looking to learn more about women's health and kit requirements in the outdoors, from participants to leaders and allies. Inspired by conversations with walkers, climbers and leaders about managing their periods, menopause and toileting when out in the wild, BMC and Mountain Training have created some simple ‘how-to’ guides that go through these topics and more.
DESTINATIONS
Hillwalking Destinations
From top tips for ultra-classics like the Tour du Mont Blanc, to insider secrets on lesser-known gems, five trekking leaders offer their favourite routes in Europe. If in any doubt of your ability, you know the score: hire a guide.
Hillwalking Destinations
Scotland might be most famous for its mountainous ascents, but those that fail to stray from the summits are often overlooking some of the UK’s most stunning walks. These five lower level routes recommended by ScotWays are perfect for days when the tops are looking a little too blowy.
Hillwalking Destinations
Glen Coe's Aonach Eagach ridge is the most legendary Grade 2 scramble in Scotland. Do you have the skills to take it on?
Hillwalking Destinations
It's no easy feat, but with a little advice, organisation, knowledge and determination, climbing the Wainwrights is doable for almost anyone. This beginner-friendly guide aims to teach you about the fells and how to plan for and complete them.
Rock Destinations
Here are five of the best places to go for a weekend of nerve-testing scrambling.
Article
Here are a few of the most gruelling, exhausting, rewarding and brilliant challenge walks Britain has to offer.
Hillwalking Destinations
Sarah Stirling lists five of the easiest Munros for beginner hikers to bag!
Article
We've totted up a few fun facts and some trail trivia about this iconic route, including some surprising statistics that are guaranteed to earn you points at the next pub quiz. Read on for everything you need to know about this pioneering path...
Into The Hills Guide
For those who are relatively or completely new to the activity of hill walking, Into The Hills highlights some essential skills you should learn and develop on your trips into the hills and mountains, and provides a reference base of resources for learning the required skills.
Incident and Near Miss Reporting
The BMC have an incident and near-miss reporting database and by adding your real-life account to the database you will help the wider community learn from your experiences.
Volunteering Opportunities
Footpath Repair
Our 'Get Stuck In' days are key part of helping repair our paths, and do exactly what they says on the tin. By signing up to a volunteer session you have an opportunity to get out on the hillside, learn new skills and meet like-minded people whilst making a real difference to our wild places.
Sphagnum Planting
Our BMC volunteer days run in partnership with Moors for the Future. Sphagnum traps carbon dioxide and due to its water retention properties it also helps reduce flooding and improves water quality. The protection and restoration of blanket bog is an important part of the fight against the climate crisis.
Seagrass Planting
We are working with Seagrass Ocean Rescue to raise money for their restoration projects which lock carbon into the oceans. We are providing members with the opportunity to help plant Seagrass along the North Wales coast.
Resources
Hill Walking Articles
The BMC has collaborated with the Yorkshire Dales National Park to create a new hill walking guide called Into the Dales, designed to empower people from underrepresented groups to access green spaces.
Hill Walking Articles
The BMC produces a number of good practice Green Guides for climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers.