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SKILLS

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 Skills

How to safely use micro wires

Here's a run down of the essentials of using micro gear when climbing

09 Jul
4 min read

Rock Climbing Skills

How to lower off from a sport climb

Lowering off from a sport climb isn't always as easy as it is at the climbing wall. Knowing a few techniques can make the difference between an enjoyable day's climbing and a trip to A&E.

09 Jul
8 min read

GEAR

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 Gear

Ropes: a guide for climbers and mountaineers

Everything you need to know about the various types of rope for climbing and mountaineering can be found in our handy, free guide.

09 Jul
2 min read

Rock Climbing Gear

Have you checked your camming devices recently?

How often do you check your trad gear for damage or wear and tear? Here's the 'how' and 'why' of keeping your cams in check.

04 Jul
8 min read

Rock Climbing Gear

What gear do you need to climb outdoors?

If you’ve never climbed before or have only climbed indoors, the equipment used for tackling real rock can seem mysterious, exciting and expensive. We've put together a list of the essentials...

04 Jul
5 min read

Rock Climbing Gear

Quickdraws: a guide for climbers

Climbers use quickdraws to attach their rope to pieces of protection when lead climbing. A quickdraw consists of two karabiners connected by a textile sling. Find out about the different types and some of the key issues in this article.

04 Jul
2 min read

Indoor Climbing Gear

Just how tight it too tight when it comes to climbing shoes?

We take a look at the culture of tight climbing shoes. Just how tight is too tight - and are we creating problems for the future?

04 Jul
5 min read

Rock Climbing Gear

Slings for climbers

Read on to discover more about slings, and what you can do with them to help you climb more safely.

05 Jul
4 min read

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

SCRAMBLING

Mountaineering Learn Skills

Scrambling in winter: tips and tricks for efficiency

Scrambling in winter is a step up in every way: here are some tips from the pros for getting it right.

17 Jul
6 min read

Mountaineering Destinations

Six stunning British winter ridges

Now is the prime time to plan your winter adventures. To help you explore the British mountains over winter, we have chosen six stunning winter ridges to guarantee a grand day out.

17 Jul
4 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

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

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

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 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

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

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