As a sport climber do you assume that all bolts are bomb-proof? Well, maybe it's time to think again. The UIAA have issued a warning through the Safety Commission, which is an important read for anyone who sport climbs or equips bolted routes, especially in warm coastal climates.

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is a bit of a bogey-man for anyone who works with or uses stainless steel. This dangerous phenomenom has been found to be the cause behind the failure of stainless steel anchors in several warm, coastal locations around the world.

Extensive research has lead the UIAA Safety Commission to issue a warning about SCC in climbing anchors. It's well worth a read and poses many questions regarding the future path followed by climbers when it comes to equipping bolted routes.

As the number of locations where SCC failures have been confirmed or are suspected increases, so the need for a cost effective solution becomes more desirable for route equipers. SCC resistant bolts are available in Titanium and HCR Steel alloys but are expensive compared to the bolts which have previously been used. Full scale re-equipping using these types of bolt may require a fresh look at how bolt funds are financed.

For the bolt clipper about to head somewhere sunny for a holiday, read the advice, be careful and think about contributing to the local bolt fund if there is one.

READ: UIAA warning on climbing anchor failures

Read the UIAA warning here

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WATCH: BMC Travel Insurance built for the mountains

Rock Up Abroad with BMC Travel Insurance

Wherever the hot rock calls, make sure that you go prepared with our travel insurance before you head off.

You can get cover with a BMC Rock policy from just £56* for a week. 

BMC Travel Insurance comes in five policies: Travel, Trek, Rock, Alpine and Ski and High Altitude. 

*Policy details: £55.21 for 7 days European Rock policy, price for up to age 69.  

For full terms and conditions see our Evidence of Cover

Europe by Train

Seat61 has a plethora of information, ready-planned for you to make your train journeys to Europe plain sailing. We fully recommend checking out the routes available and booking in advance to get the best deals on cheaper tickets.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL: Use public transport routes from Seat61 to help you plan your low-impact travels

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