Many outdoor shops offer discounts to BMC members – easily paying for the cost of your BMC membership! There is no standard discount and each retailer will have their own arrangements. In-store discounts are generally 10-15% and you’ll need to produce a valid BMC membership card. Some also offer phone and online discounts too.

Inclusion of a link to a shop is for information only and does not imply any endorsement by the BMC. The BMC is not responsible for the content of other websites.

Climbing walls are the easiest way to try out climbing – they’re also great fun. There are now over 400 walls throughout the UK. Some are dedicated to lead climbing (high, with ropes), others bouldering (shorter, with no ropes). Many provide both.

All the larger walls offer a range of introduction sessions if you’re starting out. Many also run skills and coaching sessions to help you develop your climbing.

If you're visiting a wall for the first time, you might be interested in our beginners' guide to climbing walls.

Clubs are a great way to meet like-minded people, share lifts and learn new skills in an informal atmosphere. These BMC-affiliated clubs all have climbing, hill walking or mountaineering as their main activities. They have been approved by the BMC but are organised by their own members.

Some clubs are for experienced people only; others welcome beginners. Contact the club to find out more.

View a complete copy of the club list here

Climbing club huts in the UK are great places to stay. They are well located for climbing and walking, and they will often be full of friendly people. Some huts are very modern (some even have wi-fi), whilst others are pretty basic but still warm and cosy.

If you’re an individual BMC Member, you’ll have access to some huts, but if you’re a BMC Club Member, you’ll have access to more. Each club has its own rules – check before you book.

How to book a hut

To book a hut you need to contact the relevant hut booking secretary in plenty of time. Their details are on the BMC Hut List.

Scottish huts

For Scottish huts, see the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.