Our bolts advice guides come in two parts. Part one is aimed at the climber, in particular those who have learnt to climb indoors and are making the transition outside. It covers the need to know information to help assess the safety of an outdoor sport climb. Part two is newly published and is a guide to current good practice for choosing and installing bolts, covering all of the important issues which must be addressed in order to do this competently and with the correct equipment.

Bolts - a climbers' guide

Climbing outside is very different to the controlled and managed indoor environment. This guide covers what you need to know about the bolts and belays you may encounter when sport climbing outside. It includes tips on assessing problems and what to be aware of.

Reading this guide will help you to evaluate and manage any risks for yourself, and allow you to experience the wonderful world of climbing outside more safely.

Download the bolts guide here

Bolts - an installers' guide

Placing bolts which you know will be used by other climbers is a serious responsibility. This guide includes the latest advice and guidance on the correct equipment to use and how to install it competently. Newly published in 2021 with the latest good practice advice.

Download the installers guide here

WATCH: how to check an expansion bolt on BMC TV

WATCH: how to check a glue-in bolt on BMC TV

WATCH: how to check and preserve a lower off on BMC TV

As Europe reopens for travel, BMC Travel Insurance has got you covered for Covid-19.

With the autumn nights drawing in, the clouds gathering and the temps dropping, who isn’t dreaming of heading to hotter rocks?

From 4 October, the European climbing dream has become easier, as Covid-19 travel restrictions have been reduced. To make planning your hot rock trips easier we've added Covid-19 cover into all BMC Travel Insurance policies.

Our new Covid-19 cover includes:

• £5,000 cancellation cover: if you test positive for Covid-19 within 14 days of departure
• Medical and repatriation: Covid-19 related illness
• Being denied boarding: if you test positive for Covid-19 prior to your return home

BMC travel insurance comes in five policies: Travel, Trek, Rock, Alpine and Ski and High Altitude. Read more about the Covid-travel FAQs here

* Policy details: £46.70 for 7 days European Rock policy up to age 69.  

For full terms and conditions see our Evidence of Cover

WATCH: BMC Travel Insurance built for the mountains

« Back