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Access News

The Future of Wild Camping on Dartmoor: Supreme Court to Decide on Historic Right 

On Tuesday 8 October, the Supreme Court will consider whether the right to wild camp on Dartmoor continues to be a cherished freedom. The case, brought by Alexander Darwall, owner of 4,000-acre estate in southern Dartmoor, challenges the notion that wild camping (or backpack camping) should be considered an over-air recreation in its own right. 

03 Oct
8 min read

Access News

The BMC welcomes the new Skiddaw rewilding project in the Lake District

The BMC welcomes and supports the Cumbria Wildlife Trust who are set to rewild the bleak plateau of Skiddaw. This work aligns fully with BMC values - protecting the mountains for future climbers, hill-walkers and mountaineers and promoting environmental sustainability.

19 Sep
8 min read
30 Nov 2024

Hill Walking Events

BMC North West Area Hill Walk | Saturday 30th November

BMC members are invited to join a Social Hike in the High Peak delivered by Members of the Rucksack Club on Saturday 30th November 2024

Access Articles

5 things you didn’t know about hill walking’s most important plant

This unassuming, bright, green or red moss with lush, almost tentacle-like fronds is hiding five well-kept secrets.

04 Oct
2 min read
04 Nov 2024

Hill Walking Events

BMC Peak Area Hill Walk | Monday 4th November

Join us on November 4th for a peer-led walk organized by BMC Peak Area volunteers, in the beautiful Peak District.

Hill Walking News

Meet your 2024 BMC Volunteer Award winners

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) are delighted to announce the recipients of the 2024 BMC Volunteer Awards.

26 Sep
5 min read

Hill Walking Articles

Supporting your tendons, joints, and cartilage through the decades: a guide for hill walkers

For many hill walkers, the call of the wild is a lifelong passion. However, the demands placed on our bodies by these activities require thoughtful care, especially as we age.

12 Sep
5 min read

Access News

First ever litter pick on hard-to-reach Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) gullies

On Sat 21 September, 40 BMC volunteers will climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) to rid the mountain of as much litter as possible in The Big Clean Up event, including the 'waterfall' of trash which has been stuck for decades in the steep and hazardous Trinity Gullies.

05 Sep
8 min read

LEARN

Rock Climbing Skills

How to scramble: guides to popular scrambles around the UK

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

17 Jul
2 min read

Hillwalking Skills

Four tips to fight your fear of heights when hill walking

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.

09 Jul
5 min read

Hillwalking Skills

A guide to ice axes for winter walking and climbing

How to choose an ice axe for your next winter adventure

09 Jul
8 min read

Hillwalking Skills

How to survive a whiteout on the hills

In this guide, we share tips to help you navigate your way back to safety in the event of a whiteout.

09 Jul
8 min read

Hillwalking Skills

How to stay safe on scrambles

The know-how, top tips and gear you'll need for scrambling safely.

04 Jul
8 min read

Hillwalking Skills

How to go hill walking at night

The mountains at night can be hazardous, but also wonderful. Here are a handful of helpful tips for exploring the dark side.

04 Jul
4 min read

Hillwalking Skills

How to wild camp

Camping ‘wild’ is a different way of spending the night outdoors but it isn't allowed everywhere - with a responsible approach however, there are many remote areas where you can still rest your weary head under a star-filled sky.

04 Jul
6 min read

Hillwalking Skills

Do I need crampons? Planning your winter walk

When should you use crampons? Our guide explains the 'when', 'where' and 'how' of deploying your spiky winter gear.

04 Jul
5 min read

Training

Hillwalking Qualification Training

Providers & professional associations

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.

03 Jul
2 min read

Hillwalking Qualification Training

Mountain Training Winter Mountain Leader qualification

If you’d like to guide people up hills in winter conditions the Winter Mountain Leader qualification could be for you.

03 Jul
2 min read

Article

Mountain Training Lowland Leader qualification

Take a look at the Lowland Leader scheme, so you can decide whether it’s the right qualification for you. 

03 Jul
3 min read

Hillwalking Qualification Training

Mountain Training Camping Leader qualification

Find out more about the Camping Leader qualification, so you can decide whether it’s right for you.

03 Jul
2 min read

Hillwalking Qualification Training

Mountain Training International Mountain Leader qualification

Fancy a life leading treks abroad? The International Mountain Leader may be the qualification for you

03 Jul
2 min read

Hillwalking Qualification Training

Mountain Training Hill & Moorland Leader qualification

Take a look at the Hill & Moorland Leader qualification, so you can decide whether it’s right for you.

03 Jul
1 min read

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

How to scramble Aonach Eagach

Glen Coe's Aonach Eagach ridge is the most legendary Grade 2 scramble in Scotland. Do you have the skills to take it on?

17 Jul
4 min read

Hillwalking Destinations

A beginner's guide to Wainwright bagging

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.

09 Jul
5 min read

Rock Destinations

Five of the UK's best scrambling destinations

Here are five of the best places to go for a weekend of nerve-testing scrambling.

09 Jul
5 min read

Article

Britain's five most epic challenge walks

Here are a few of the most gruelling, exhausting, rewarding and brilliant challenge walks Britain has to offer.

04 Jul
10 min read

Hillwalking Destinations

Five of the best Munros for beginners

Sarah Stirling lists five of the easiest Munros for beginner hikers to bag!

04 Jul
6 min read

Article

Everything you need to know about the Pennine Way

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...

04 Jul
8 min read

Hill Walking

Britain's five most haunted hills

Forget ghost stories and horror movies - a simple walk in the story-stuffed British wilds is the best way to get your skin crawling.

04 Jul
5 min read

Hillwalking Destinations

Five of the best wild swim walks in Eryri (Snowdonia)

Cold water enthusiast Sarah Stirling reveals some of the best short walks in North Wales that include a dipping spot en route. Strip off your human cares and discover the many mental and physical health benefits to be found in the chilly llyns of Eryri (Snowdonia)!

04 Jul
3 min read

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

Sphagnum Planting

Seagrass Planting

Resources

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