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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

Everything you need to know about the proposed new National Park in North Wales

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

15 Nov
8 min read

Rock Climbing News

Your Climbing Counts | Survey Results

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.

06 Nov
5 min read

Rock Climbing

Climbing ban lifted in Carn Gowla, Cornwall

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.

04 Sep
3 min read

Rock Climbing News

Olympic detox: best practice for bouldering on sandstone in Font, 70km south of Paris

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.

08 Aug
5 min read

Rock Climbing News

Olympic detox: escape Paris for the nearby bouldering paradise of Font, by public transport

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.

07 Aug
5 min read

Rock Climbing

Unreasonable ban on climbing at Symonds Yat: climbers dismayed by ongoing climbing ban

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

01 Aug
3 min read

News

28 stakes later: new belay anchors installed at Avon Gorge, Bristol

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.

23 Jul
4 min read

Rock Climbing News

Simond Edge rope recall

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.

04 Jul
-1 min read

LATEST ARTICLES

Rock Climbing

Climbing ban lifted in Carn Gowla, Cornwall

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.

04 Sep
3 min read

Rock Destinations

Five reasons why you need BMC Travel Insurance

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.

27 Aug
2 min read

Rock Climbing

Unreasonable ban on climbing at Symonds Yat: climbers dismayed by ongoing climbing ban

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

01 Aug
3 min read

News

28 stakes later: new belay anchors installed at Avon Gorge, Bristol

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.

23 Jul
4 min read

Get Climbing

Five steps to start 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.

17 Jul
4 min read

Rock Climbing Articles

Close calls: reporting incidents and near misses

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

09 Jul
5 min read

Rock Climbing Articles

Youth Ready to Rock | Sport climbing courses

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.

09 Jul
5 min read

Rock Climbing Skills

Rock climbing: what to do when it's wet

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...

09 Jul
6 min read

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 outdoors for the first time 

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. 

05 Nov
6 min read

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

Rock Climbing Skills

How to move together when scrambling and climbing

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

10 Jul
3 min read

Rock Climbing Skills

Climbing lingo: how to talk the talk

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.

10 Jul
5 min read

Rock Climbing Skills

Rock climbing: what to do when it's wet

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...

09 Jul
6 min read

Rock Climbing Skills

Protecting a scramble

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.

09 Jul
6 min read

Rock Climbing Gear

Rope markings explained

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.

09 Jul
2 min read

Rock Climbing Articles

How to climb 8a: 10 expert tips

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.

09 Jul
7 min read

BMC members stay in our National Huts

DESTINATIONS

Rock Destinations

Climbing in the sun: Steve McClure's ultimate winter destinations

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

03 Oct
10 min read

Rock Destinations

Where to break your sport grade barrier abroad

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.

09 Sep
2 min read

Rock Destinations

Top 10 Via Ferratas in France, Italy and the UK

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.

05 Sep
4 min read

Rock Destinations

Five reasons why you need BMC Travel Insurance

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.

27 Aug
2 min read

Rock Destinations

Why have BMC Travel Insurance policy prices increased?

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.

12 Aug
3 min read

Rock Climbing News

Olympic detox: escape Paris for the nearby bouldering paradise of Font, by public transport

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.

07 Aug
5 min read

Rock Destinations

Via ferrata in the Dolomites | Brigata Tridentina

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

23 Jul
2 min read

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

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.

Local Areas

The BMC has 10 local areas in England and Wales. Find out more and get involved.

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