British Mountaineering Council 2025 membership fee update

Governance
26 Sep
6 min read

Dear Members,

The BMC exists to support our community of hill walkers, climbers and mountaineers whilst campaigning to preserve and ensure access to the places we love for generations to come. In line with our commitment to update members in September, today we are announcing our membership fees for 2025.

Over the past six months I have updated you on the difficult decisions and adjustments we have made to ensure we are functioning within our means, for the BMC’s long-term sustainability and ability to maximise our support to members.

Most recently we shared proposed membership fee adjustments for 2025 and I’d like to thank all the members who have taken time to engage with us and feedback on those proposals. From the responses we received, more than half of respondents have understood and supported the increases, whilst some comments were also in opposition. All the questions and feedback were collated and relayed back to the Board, by our members champion, President, Dominic Oughton.

A summary of the FAQs can be found below and full details and background of these changes are further explained in our previous August and September updates.

The increase in 2025 BMC membership fees is based on two external factors:

  1. 3.60% RPI increase

    1. Retail Price Index - statistics that measures consumer inflation.

    2. ONS as of July 2024 on non-insurance related elements.

  1. £376,369 Increase in the cost of BMC Combined Liability premium (£4.57 per member)

    1. Costs directly passed on to us from our insurers/underwriters.

A final decision was agreed with the Board on 18 September, to implement the following membership fees from 1 January 2025:

Our mission is to support our passionate community and inspire those curious about our activities to get out and enjoy them. Our annual review of membership fees ensures that we can continue to this now and in the future.

Your membership and support is integral to our work across all areas of the BMC, we could not do what we do without you.

Thank you,

Paul Ratcliffe, CEO

Join our community

We exist to represent every hill walker, climber and mountaineer

We have always had a clear purpose: to make the climbing and outdoor experience of the people we represent as good as it can be. And while these activities have changed and participation has grown immeasurably over the years, this purpose holds as true as ever.

We campaign for freedom of access and the right to roam, we fund footpath repairs and run campaigns to clean up our hills; and we are continually working for improved access to and the conservation of places we love.

We protect the future of hill walking, climbing, and mountaineering so people can embrace adventure, both now and for generations to come. The freedom that adventure brings should be available to all.

We deeply appreciate the ongoing support of our members in helping to protect the places they love for generations to come, especially considering the financial challenges many individuals face today.

On your behalf we proudly:

  • Work behind the scenes to negotiate improved access to crags and countryside in England and Wales

  • Influence and lobby government and decision makers, and work with sector partners on key policy issues and future legislation

  • Protect your safety through advice, training and support. Finding practical solutions and demanding the highest standard of safety for kit and equipment

  • Establish numerous projects to restore trails, protect fragile environments and help conserve endangered wildlife

  • Support people to get the most out of their activities through world-class advice, training and development

  • Produce inspirational content, keeping the spirit of climbing, hiking and mountaineering alive while motivating you to take on your next adventure

If you have any questions regarding your membership or wish to learn more about BMC Membership and explore your exclusive benefits, please do not hesitate to contact our membership services team. office@thebmc.co.uk. 0161 445 6111

Thank you for your continued support of the BMC.

We have a host of benefits for our members

General BMC FAQs

Membership Costs FAQs

Insurance and Premiums FAQs

Use of Funds FAQs

Club fees vs. Individual memberships FAQs

Membership Benefits FAQs

Transparency & Governance FAQs

BMC Travel Insurance

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