If your idea of a good time involves scaling Tryfan or tackling the Aonach Eagach ridge, then joining the BMC could give your finances a boost. Here’s how…
It might not fit neatly into the walking, mountaineering or climbing categories, but scrambling is still just about the most fun that you can have in the hills - and it’s never been so popular. The BMC offers as much support to scramblers as it does to other mountain folk, including plenty of discounts and financial support you might not know about.
Money off scrambling courses
If you’ve never tried scrambling but fancy the idea of shinning confidently up Crib Goch then a scrambling course is the best route in. BMC members have access to subsidised courses with Plas y Brenin, the National Mountain Centre, with the BMC Scrambling Essentials course on offer from £115. You’ll learn how to move safely over scrambly terrain and familiarise yourself with essential scrambling techniques, as well as getting some hands-on experience on some of Snowdonia’s classic rocky ridges. Residential and bunkhouse-based courses are also available for a supplement.
And it isn’t just Plas y Brenin courses that are discounted either. Members can save up to 20% on courses with a range of British and overseas providers, including More Than Mountains, The Lake District Walker and Peak Mountaineering.
Discounted scrambling gear
Scrambling might not be quite as kit-intensive as climbing, but there are some basics you can’t be without - including stiff-soled boots, a guidebook, and potentially a rope, helmet, harness and small rack if you’re planning on tackling grade 2 or 3 routes.
Kitting yourself out for scrambling can put a hole in your finances, but BMC members receive a discount of between 10% and 20% with more than 800 outdoor shops and online retailers. That means you can get your hands on the latest Scarpa boots or pick up a scrambling guide to the Lakes without doing too much damage to your wallet.
And if you fancy learning more about scrambling (and the UK’s ultimate routes) absolutely free, you can check out the series of skills videos on BMC TV’s scrambling channel.
Personal accident cover
Scramblers tend to be tackling steep ground in immensely exposed areas; and as a result, accidents do happen. It’s often said that scramblers are actually more at risk of serious mishap than climbers, because many rarely bother with a rope.
We can’t keep you completely safe (although check out our advice on how to protect scrambles before you take on a more difficult route), but we can offer you financial protection in case disaster strikes. All individual BMC members are given Personal Accident protection, which includes £10,000 cover for permanent total disability as well as up to £10,000 for loss of limb, £10,000 for loss of sight and £500 for emergency dental care. Hospitalisation and convalescence are also covered.
You also get Combined Liability protection covering you if someone has an accident they claim is your fault, for example if you dislodge a rock and it falls on someone beneath.
And you won’t have to pay a separate premium - it’s all included within your individual membership.
More health and safety benefits
While personal accident cover is automatically extended to all individual members of the BMC, members can also choose to protect themselves still further with additional insurance. Summit Financial Services will arrange life cover, critical illness cover, and mortgage and income protection cover for scramblers, with special rates on offer for BMC members.
Still concerned about your health and the safety of your scrambling companions? Then why not take a subsidised first aid course? Outdoor Approach First Aid, Hatt Adventures, Expedition Care Programme, Peak Mountaineering and Training Expertise all provide first aid courses for members of the BMC with discounts of up to 20% available on scheduled prices.
And much more…
From a free quarterly copy of Summit, the BMC magazine, to discounts on travel insurance, money off accommodation both in the UK and abroad, fabulous deals on events and 10% off in the online shop, there are plenty of incentives to join the BMC. You’ll even save on things like bushcraft and survival courses, hot air balloon rides and dining out. With membership starting from less than £1.50 per month, there’s no reason not to get involved.
Read our "how to scramble" guides:
Join online today by Direct Debit and save 25% on your first year's membership.
WATCH: What does the BMC do for hill walkers?
GET THE KNOWLEDGE: BMC resources for hill walkers
« Back