You’ll often hear that it’s great to be in a club. But don’t just take our word for it - here club members give their five top reasons why you should join a club.
You’ll meet like-minded people and make new friends
“Share activities with like-minded people both socially and out on the hills.”
“The diversity of our club membership allows members to walk and climb with others who have similar aspirations and at a whole range of grades. It makes it easy to find people to walk or climb with when their regular partner is unable to get away to climb or is injured.”
“There’s a large group of us who don’t just go out on club meets, we’ll meet up on other weekends too – it’s great to have lots of different people to go out walking with.”
“Looking for love? I know lots of couples who met through mountaineering!”
You'll see new places and do new things
“Most clubs have a ‘Meets Programme’ which encourages members to visit varied and unusual venues which enhances both experience and enjoyment”
“You can expand the scope of your own activities by taking part in those organised by more experienced members, plus a lot of clubs pursue allied sports and pastimes when the weather is less than ideal for climbing such as mountain biking, caving, and canoeing”
“A lot of clubs have a range of social events which complements the climbing scene”
“If you want to go to a new venue there’s bound to be someone in the club who has already been and willing to give you beta on the place”
“As a non-driver being a club member has increased the range of places to go and walk or climb”
You'll learn new skills
“Many clubs offer training opportunities, however chaotic and/or informal, and there are always more experienced members around to provide guidance and specific help.”
“Practical peer-to-peer coaching so that we all learn together”
“Knowledge transfer from more experienced members, a bit like an apprenticeship”
“As a new member I doubt that I’d have made the steps to climb outside without the support of the club”
You'll save money on trips and equipment
“Our club meets enable people to share transport and tents or get cheap group accommodation in club huts, bunk houses or hostels”
“Our club has a hut and it’s so convenient to pop up to it for a cheap weekend of climbing”
“Many clubs have equipment that members can use, such as guidebooks, harnesses, helmets, crampons and ice axes.”
“Clubs provide leverage with providers that individuals do not have, such as climbing wall discounts; organising training courses; hut bookings; and local access arrangements.”
“Many clubs (particularly smaller clubs) have a membership fee which is less than the BMC Individual Membership fee so you get all the benefits of being in a club plus BMC membership at a cut price!”
It’s fun!
“It’s more fun spending your day out with others. And they can get great photos of you and your partner on climbs too.”
“You can’t beat sitting round the fire in our hut after a great day on the crag exchanging stories of your epic adventures!”
Find out more
WATCH a club meet with the Rucksack Club at Gogarth on BMC TV
VIDEO
We’re making it easy for you to connect with friendly climbing and walking clubs in your area. Fast friends and fun-filled weekends guaranteed. T ake a look at our latest project: Find Your Adventure.
Take the next step
📧 Sign up for our regular Find Your Adventure email
We’ll send you an email every Monday for six weeks, taking you from finding a club, to your first meetup and even weekend away.
Find Your Adventure
📌 Locate a friendly club near you and get started
Can't wait?
Check out the articles in this six-part series:
🥾 It's time to find your adventure
⛰️ Let's find you a club to join
🥾 Your first visit
⛰️ Learning and skills
🥾 Ready to head to the mountains
⛰️ Start your adventure
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