British Lead Championships
The British Lead Championships is one of the highlights of the UK's competition season, where the country's best Lead climbers battle it out to be crowned British champion. The 2026 edition will be a GB Climbing team official selection event.
Secure your tickets for the 2026 British Lead Championships
A limited number of tickets for the semi-finals and finals of the 2026 British Lead Championships will be released on Friday 13 February at 19:00.
Click here to purchase tickets for the semi-finals.
Click here to purchase tickets for the finals.
Watch for free! Click here to access the livestream.
All athletes competing in the semi-final or final round of the British Lead Championships will be allocated one complimentary ticket per person. Information will be sent directly to qualifying athletes.
Volunteer at the British Lead Championships
Get a front row view to watch Britain's future talented Climbing athletes. To support the event we're looking for volunteers for the roles of competent lead belayers, competitions judges and isolation volunteers (DBS required). Lunch and drinks will be provided as well as a full briefing.
British Lead Champions
2025 British Lead Champion
Toby Roberts
2025 British Lead Champion
Erin McNeice
2024 British Lead Champion
Molly Thompson-Smith
2024 British Lead Champion
Jack MacDougall
Important Information
Fee: £70
Registration Opens: 7 January 2026 at 8am
Registration Closes: 4 February 2026
Anyone under the age of 18 is encouraged to visit the Depot to be signed off as an unsupervised climber.
JOIN: Become a member of the BMC
If you haven't used our online booking system before, then you will need to create an account to log in. Click here to register
By registering for this event you are acknowledging the BMC Participation Statement:
Climbing, hill walking and mountaineering can provide life-long physical, social and mental health benefits through exercise and adventure in amazing environments. The BMC recognises these activities involve a risk of personal injury or death. Participants should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.
Date: 21 & 22 February 2026
Location: Big Depot, Manchester
Categories: Senior (17+) and U17 (Youth B - YOB 2011 and 2010)
DOWNLOAD: British Lead Championships Info Sheet
Two qualification routes: 6 minute time limit with 50 minutes between each route
Semi-finals is one route: 6 minute time limit
Finals is one route: 6 minute time limit
It is important to read the rules for this event.
DOWNLOAD: Rules
DOWNLOAD: Rules Addendum
DOWNLOAD: BMC Competitions Appeals Form
If you cancel your entry to the competition - you will not be entitled to a refund. If the competition is cancelled due to an unforeseen circumstance - you will be entitled to a full refund.
Sign up
If you are interested in volunteering please contact Zoe: Zoe@thebmc.co.uk
As the official accommodation supplier of the BMC, HotelPlanner is a bespoke booking platform for BMC members, where you can access specially negotiated hotel rates in the UK across the world.
Click here to access exclusive negotiated hotel rates.
TBC
2023 Snapshot
