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Access News

DOUBLE your donation to our Eryri footpath repair ranger fund!

This week you have the chance to DOUBLE your impact towards fixing eroded footpaths in the beautiful Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park by donating via the Big Give Green Match Fund.

22 Apr
2 min read

Hill Walking News

Rescue data highlights importance of outdoor preparedness

With the Easter Bank Holiday approaching and more people than ever heading to the hills, the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) is echoing a vitally important message from Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW): be prepared, be informed, and don’t rely on your phone alone.

16 Apr
1 min read
20 May 2025

Lakes Area Walks

BMC Lakes Area Social Hike | Tuesday 20th May

BMC members are invited to join a social hike, with local BMC volunteer Nicola Merrett guiding the route. This social walk will be a 12km circular route starting from Glenridding. We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!

Access News

Support the BMC's The Climate Project by shopping in Cotswold Outdoor now!

Quick, buy that new pair of summer walking boots or waterproof you've been needing for ages and round up your payment at the till in any Cotswold Outdoor store to fund peatland and seagrass meadow restoration with the BMC.

15 Apr
2 min read
31 May 2025

Lakes Area Walks

BMC Lakes Area Social Hike | Saturday 31st May

BMC members are invited to join a social hike, hosted by BMC Lakes volunteers, with local BMC volunteer Rose Gare-Simmons guiding the route. This social walk will be a 7km circular route starting from Tilberthwaite. We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!

15 Jun 2025

Lakes Area Walks

BMC Lakes Area Social Hike | Sunday 15th June

BMC members are invited to join a social hike, hosted by BMC Lakes volunteers, with local BMC volunteer Rose Gare-Simmons guiding the route. This social walk will be a 21km circular route starting from Kentmere. We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!

27 Sep 2025

Hill Walking Event Walks

BMC North West Area Hill Walk | Saturday 27 September

You are invited to join a peer-led walk, hosted and led by BMC member and North West volunteer, Nick Howard. This social walk will explore Upper Rivington Reservoir before returning to Great House Barn Cafe car park. We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors.

27 Jul 2025

Lakes Area Walks

BMC Lakes Area Social Hike | Sunday 27th July

BMC members are invited to join a social hike, hosted by BMC Lakes volunteers, with local BMC volunteer Rose Gare-Simmons guiding the route. This social walk will be a 9km circular route starting from Langdale. We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!

LEARN

Hillwalking Gear

Ultimate Walking Kit List: Essential gear for every hiker & walker

At the British Mountaineering Council (BMC), we’re passionate about helping walkers, hikers, and mountaineers get the most out of their time in the great outdoors. Whether you’re setting off on a relaxed countryside ramble or tackling a challenging mountain route, having the right gear is essential for safety, comfort, and enjoyment.

13 Feb
3 min read

Rock Climbing Gear

Where can I re-use, repair or recycle my outdoor gear?

A list of retailers and organisations who can help you re-use, repair or recycle your old or unwanted clothing and outdoor kit.

21 Jan
3 min read

Mountaineering Learn Skills

How to be Avalanche Aware

In the winter hills you need to constantly make informed decisions, some of these relating to avalanche conditions. In this article from Summit magazine, Andy Nelson takes a look at avalanches in the Scottish hills.

07 Jan
8 min read

Rock Climbing Skills

How to scramble: guides to popular scrambles around the UK

A series of guides to some of the most popular scrambles in England, Scotland and Wales.

17 Jul
2 min read

Hillwalking Skills

Four tips to fight your fear of heights when hill walking

Are you a hill walker wanting to tackle steeper terrain, but nervous about heights? Don’t panic – there are steps you can take to fight the fear.

09 Jul
5 min read

Hillwalking Skills

A guide to ice axes for winter walking and climbing

How to choose an ice axe for your next winter adventure

09 Jul
8 min read

Hillwalking Skills

How to survive a whiteout on the hills

In this guide, we share tips to help you navigate your way back to safety in the event of a whiteout.

09 Jul
8 min read

Hillwalking Skills

How to stay safe on scrambles

Scrambling is sometimes described as the middle ground between walking and climbing - and for the higher grades in particular, you’ll need some basic climbing skills. Here's our guide to staying safe on the rock.

04 Jul
8 min read

Local Area Walks

28 Apr 2025

Hill Walking Event Walks

BMC Peak Area Hill Walk | Monday 28 April

BMC members are invited to join a social walk, hosted by BMC Peak Area volunteers, with local BMC volunteer Mark Royall guiding the route. This social walk is part of the Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival and will begin in Gradbach, and circle around the hills and moorlands to the north.

17 Oct 2025

Lakes Area Walks

BMC Lakes Area Social Hike | Friday 17th October

BMC members are invited to join a social hike with local BMC volunteer Nicola Merrett (Hiking Highs). This social walk will be a 12km circular route starting from Glenridding. We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!

02 May 2025

Hill Walking Event Walks

BMC Peak Area Hill Walk | Friday 2nd May

Join us for a peer-led walk hosted by BMC Peak Area with local member and Mountain Leader, Michelle Martin leading the way around The Roaches, Hanging Stone and Lud's Church.

16 Aug 2025

Hill Walking Event Walks

BMC Peak Area Hill Walk | Saturday 16th August

You are invited to join a peer-led walk, hosted by BMC member, Anne Kemp-Eyre. This is a circular walk along White Edge and back along Froggatt Edge with amazing views down the Hope Valley. We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!

Training

Hillwalking Qualification Training

Providers & professional associations

Whether you want a career in the outdoors, or to improve your own personal skills, there are a number of training providers offering courses and instruction.

03 Jul
2 min read

Hillwalking Qualification Training

Mountain Training Winter Mountain Leader qualification

If you’d like to guide people up hills in winter conditions the Winter Mountain Leader qualification could be for you.

03 Jul
2 min read

Article

Mountain Training Lowland Leader qualification

Take a look at the Lowland Leader scheme, so you can decide whether it’s the right qualification for you. 

03 Jul
3 min read

Hillwalking Qualification Training

Mountain Training Camping Leader qualification

Find out more about the Camping Leader qualification, so you can decide whether it’s right for you.

03 Jul
2 min read

Hillwalking Qualification Training

Mountain Training International Mountain Leader qualification

Fancy a life leading treks abroad? The International Mountain Leader may be the qualification for you

03 Jul
2 min read

Hillwalking Qualification Training

Mountain Training Hill & Moorland Leader qualification

Take a look at the Hill & Moorland Leader qualification, so you can decide whether it’s right for you.

03 Jul
1 min read

OutdoorHer

OutdoorHer is a resource for everyone who is looking to learn more about women's health and kit requirements in the outdoors, from participants to leaders and allies. Inspired by conversations with walkers, climbers and leaders about managing their periods, menopause and toileting when out in the wild, BMC and Mountain Training have created some simple ‘how-to’ guides that go through these topics and more.

DESTINATIONS

Hillwalking Destinations

Five reasons to go trekking in Europe

From top tips for ultra-classics like the Tour du Mont Blanc, to insider secrets on lesser-known gems, five trekking leaders offer their favourite routes in Europe. If in any doubt of your ability, you know the score: hire a guide.

12 Nov
8 min read

Hillwalking Destinations

Five historic walking routes to explore Scotland in autumn and winter

Scotland might be most famous for its mountainous ascents, but those that fail to stray from the summits are often overlooking some of the UK’s most stunning walks. These five lower level routes recommended by ScotWays are perfect for days when the tops are looking a little too blowy.

04 Nov
8 min read

Hillwalking Destinations

How to scramble Aonach Eagach

Glen Coe's Aonach Eagach ridge is the most legendary Grade 2 scramble in Scotland. Do you have the skills to take it on?

17 Jul
4 min read

Hillwalking Destinations

A beginner's guide to Wainwright bagging

It's no easy feat, but with a little advice, organisation, knowledge and determination, climbing the Wainwrights is doable for almost anyone. This beginner-friendly guide aims to teach you about the fells and how to plan for and complete them.

09 Jul
5 min read

Rock Destinations

Five of the UK's best scrambling destinations

Here are five of the best places to go for a weekend of nerve-testing scrambling.

09 Jul
5 min read

Article

Britain's five most epic challenge walks

Here are a few of the most gruelling, exhausting, rewarding and brilliant challenge walks Britain has to offer.

04 Jul
10 min read

Hillwalking Destinations

Five of the best Munros for beginners

Sarah Stirling lists five of the easiest Munros for beginner hikers to bag!

04 Jul
6 min read

Article

Everything you need to know about the Pennine Way

We've totted up a few fun facts and some trail trivia about this iconic route, including some surprising statistics that are guaranteed to earn you points at the next pub quiz. Read on for everything you need to know about this pioneering path...

04 Jul
8 min read

Into The Hills Guide

For those who are relatively or completely new to the activity of hill walking, Into The Hills highlights some essential skills you should learn and develop on your trips into the hills and mountains, and provides a reference base of resources for learning the required skills.

Incident and Near Miss Reporting

The BMC have an incident and near-miss reporting database and by adding your real-life account to the database you will help the wider community learn from your experiences.

Volunteering Opportunities

Footpath Repair

Our 'Get Stuck In' days are key part of helping repair our paths, and do exactly what they says on the tin. By signing up to a volunteer session you have an opportunity to get out on the hillside, learn new skills and meet like-minded people whilst making a real difference to our wild places.

Sphagnum Planting

Our BMC volunteer days run in partnership with Moors for the Future. Sphagnum traps carbon dioxide and due to its water retention properties it also helps reduce flooding and improves water quality. The protection and restoration of blanket bog is an important part of the fight against the climate crisis.

Seagrass Planting

We are working with Seagrass Ocean Rescue to raise money for their restoration projects which lock carbon into the oceans. We are providing members with the opportunity to help plant Seagrass along the North Wales coast.

Resources

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