About the BMC
The British Mountaineering Council is the national representative body that champions the interests of climbers, hill walkers, mountaineers and ski mountaineers in England and Wales. We are a membership organisation and represent over 81,000 members. We are also recognised by government as the national governing body for competition climbing.
Who we are
Organisation News
Governance
The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) has appointed three new Patrons to help champion its Route to Adventure strategy and inspire more people to enjoy climbing, hill walking and mountaineering.
Governance
The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) can today announce the appointment of Lisa Barge as Chair of its Board of Directors. Lisa will take up the role from 9 March 2026.
Organisation
The BMC is moving together with our new strategy, setting out our vision for fairer access as demand for adventure grows.
Hill Walking News
The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) can announce that Sara Javid has been appointed the new Chair for the Hill Walking Group Committee.
Our Vision
Inspiring and supporting routes to adventure. For all.
Our Purpose
From walls to wild places. For every climber, hill walker and mountaineer.
To do this, we are:
- Campaigning for access and environment
- Opening activities for all
- Developing skills for adventure
- Building clubs and communities
- Inspiring performance
- Growing our reach
Our Values
CARE: for our own actions, for each other, and for the places where we adventure.
Community: strength in collaboration, belonging and shared purpose.
Adventure: inspiration through curiosity, courage and challenge.
Respect: inclusivity in how we listen, understand and behave.
Environment: action that protects places for today and tomorrow.
BMC Local Areas
The BMC divides England and Wales into ten geographical areas: Cymru North Wales; Cymru South Wales; Lakes; London & SE; Midlands; North East; North West; Peak; South West; Yorkshire. BMC Areas provide a focus for local activities and are instrumental in driving national policy. Each BMC Area holds five meetings a year, and each precedes a meeting of the Council, to enable members to make their views known and be communicated to the Council.
Specialist Committees
The BMC relies on a well-established structure of voluntary committees, supported by staff, to develop and oversee much of the organisation’s technical work for members. We classify our Board committees into two categories 'standard' and 'specialist'. The work of the Specialist Committees covers: Access & Conservation, Safeguarding, Clubs, Equity, Hill Walking, Huts, International Mountaineering, Land Management, Technical Equipment, Training, Youth & Walls
Route to Adventure 2030 Strategy
Where adventure begins... and keeps on going. From climbing walls to mountain peaks, we are building a movement where challenge is invited, access is open and there's a route for everyone.
Click here to read our Route to Adventure.
Our services
Join and support the BMC today
Join the BMC today and be a part of an 80,000 strong community of passionate individuals who are working to protect the places we love for future generations.