What is the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) website?
thebmc.co.uk is the official website of the British Mountaineering Council (BMC), the representative body for climbers, hill walkers, and mountaineers in England and Wales. It is the place to go if you want to find organised walks and events, read access and conservation news, look up crag access information, or learn about courses, safety resources, and GB Climbing teams. The site serves members, clubs, and anyone involved in outdoor climbing and walking.
What the BMC is
The BMC represents the interests of climbers, hill walkers, and mountaineers. Its work covers three broad areas:
- Access and conservation — negotiating and protecting access to crags and countryside, plus practical conservation work.
- Safety and skills — safety resources, courses, and coaching for all levels.
- Competition and performance — supporting GB Climbing teams and national competitions.
The site is available in both English and Welsh (Cymraeg), reflecting its remit across England and Wales.
What you can find on the site
The homepage and navigation point to several distinct areas:
| Area | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Access & Conservation | News, campaigns, BMC-owned crags, volunteering, trusts and charities, the Regional Access Database (RAD), wild camping guidance |
| Indoor Climbing | News, coaching, workshops, associate walls, national competition calendar and results, videos |
| Rock Climbing | News, courses, events, huts, RAD, safety resources |
| Hill Walking | News, walks and events, courses, destinations, huts, safety resources |
| Mountaineering | Live winter conditions, events and courses, news, safety resources, expedition reports |
| GB Climbing | Latest news, team selection policies, performance programme, pathways |
Events and walks
The site lists social walks and volunteering events with specific dates and locations. Examples from the homepage include:
- Holme Fell Lake District Social Walk — 7th October
- Sphagnum Moss Planting, Burbage Moor — 25th November
- Geology Peak District Social Walk — 10th October
- Red Deer Rut Peak District Social Walk — 24th October
It also lists area meetings, such as the BMC Lakes Area Meeting and the BMC Cymru (Gogledd/North) Wales Meeting & AGM.
Access and conservation work
A notable example of the BMC's practical work is the repair of the Eryri path below Tryfan and Yr Wyddfa, carried out by BMC volunteers. The site also promotes the Regional Access Database (RAD), which is the reference point for checking access conditions at crags, and provides guidance on wild camping.
Who the site is for
- Members — manage your profile, access member benefits, and get involved in volunteering.
- Clubs — find local areas, events, and club resources.
- Individual climbers and walkers — check access, find courses and events, and read safety guidance.
- Competitors and coaches — follow GB Climbing, national competitions, and selection policies.
Practical notes
The site also offers travel insurance and membership sign-up, and has dedicated sections for volunteers and clubs. If you are planning a trip, the RAD and live winter conditions pages are the most useful starting points for checking current access and conditions.