BMC announces three new patrons to support its Route to Adventure strategy

Governance
05 Maw
3 min read

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.

Broadcaster and hillwalker Mary-Ann Ochota, climber and international mountain guide Libby Peter, and Andy MacNae MP join the BMC’s existing Patrons – Sir Chris Bonington, Rab Carrington, Mick Fowler and Pat Littlejohn OBE.

Within the BMC, Patrons are distinguished figures from the world of climbing, hill walking and mountaineering who support the organisation by championing its work and helping promote the benefits of time spent adventuring.

BMC Chief Executive Officer, Paul Ratcliffe, said:

“Announcing Mary-Ann, Libby and Andy as Patrons alongside the launch of our Route to Adventure strategy at the start of 2026 marked an important and proud moment for the BMC.

“We’re especially proud to welcome Mary-Ann Ochota and Libby Peter as the first women to become BMC Patrons. Both bring enormous experience and passion for the outdoors, and their voices will help inspire more people to get involved in climbing, hill walking and mountaineering.

“Together with our existing Patrons, they represent the breadth, experience and values of our community and will play an important role in championing the ambitions set out in our strategy.”

Mary-Ann Ochota and Andy MacNae MP at the BMC's Route to Adventure strategy launch.

Each of the new Patrons will support a key part of the BMC’s 2030 strategy.

Mary-Ann Ochota has long championed the wellbeing benefits of hill walking and worked to bring the outdoors to wider audiences. As Patron, she will support the Opening Up Activities for All and Grow Our Reach pillars.

Libby Peter, an accomplished climber and alpine mountaineer, has spent much of her career helping others develop the skills they need for their own adventures. As an international mountain guide and author of Rock Climbing, she reflects the Developing Skills for Adventure pillar and the importance of partnerships with organisations such as Mountain Training, National Indoor Climbing Award Schemes (NICAS) and Association of British Climbing Walls (ABC).

Andy MacNae MP, a former BMC National Officer, now chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Outdoor Recreation and Access to Nature. His work campaigning to expand public access to nature closely aligns with the BMC’s Campaigning for Access and Environment pillar.

Together, the seven Patrons form a group of advocates for climbing, hill walking and mountaineering. Alongside the BMC’s members, volunteers and staff, their experience and influence will help support the 2030 strategy and encourage more people to discover their own routes to adventure.

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