Regional Access Database (RAD)
The BMC’s Regional Access Database – or RAD as it’s more snappily known – is the definitive source of access info on the web. From bird restrictions and parking advice to sensitive approaches and advice on local ethics, this is the place to go to find out whether you can climb on a crag and just how to approach it.
LATEST NEWS
Access News
Consultation on Wales’ proposed new National Park – member’s views needed.
Rock Climbing News
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.
Rock Climbing
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.
Rock Climbing News
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.
Rock Climbing News
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.
Rock Climbing
A climbers’ meeting this week expressed their opposition to the continued ban on climbing at Symonds Yat, Herefordshire, imposed by Forestry England.
News
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.
Rock Climbing News
Decathlon have issued a recall notice for the Simond Edge rope, the models affected are the 9mm x 80m and the 9mm x 100m. Users are requested to stop using any affected product and to return it to their nearest Decathlon store and be issued a refund.
LATEST ARTICLES
Rock Climbing
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.
Rock Destinations
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.
Rock Climbing
A climbers’ meeting this week expressed their opposition to the continued ban on climbing at Symonds Yat, Herefordshire, imposed by Forestry England.
News
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.
Get Climbing
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.
Rock Climbing Articles
The BMC Incident and Near Miss reporting system helps to promote reflection and effect behavioural change to reduce the potential for future incidents.
Rock Climbing Articles
The Youth Ready to Rock Sport climbing course is designed to help young climbers (11-17 year olds) make their first moves onto rock by having a fun day out, as well as covering the use of some key skills and equipment, for both the participant and the parent/carer.
Rock Climbing Skills
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...
Contact a BMC Access Rep
Wondering where to report a rockfall or a bird nest update that isn't mentioned on RAD? Get in contact with our local area reps.
LEARN
Rock Climbing Learn
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.
Rock Climbing Skills
A series of guides to some of the most popular scrambles in England, Scotland and Wales.
Rock Climbing Skills
Here's what you need to think about when moving together for scrambling and climbing
Rock Climbing Skills
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.
Rock Climbing Skills
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...
Rock Climbing 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.
Rock Climbing Gear
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.
Rock Climbing Articles
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.
DESTINATIONS
Rock Destinations
British climbing legend Steve McClure highlights his top five winter destinations for warm rock.
Rock Destinations
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.
Rock Destinations
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.
Rock Destinations
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.
Rock Destinations
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.
Rock Climbing News
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.
Rock Destinations
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
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?
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.
GET INVOLVED
Area Festivals
Join in a host of seasonal area festivals and meet your community. Find out what's on and what’s coming soon.