We all want to go climbing and walking in this summer weather. However, the current advice of the BMC access team is still to follow and support the government Covid-19 regulations in order to beat this pandemic. Following the latest announcement, our access team are hard at work to identify which regulations have changed, and how that could affect climbing and hill walking.

Following Sunday’s announcement, unlimited exercise, and travel to it may be allowed from Wednesday in England only. However, until the full plan document is released at 2pm this afternoon,  it will be impossible to say with any certainty if all forms of sport/exercise will be allowed or only certain activities and if there will be any limit to travel or on overnight stays.

It’s also important to note that the situation is very different in Wales and Scotland. In both cases the stay home message continues but people are now allowed to exercise more than once per day while retaining the strict limits on travel. On Sunday night, the Counsel- General for Wales stated “…it was not the case that people could drive to other destinations in Wales. Our regulations do not permit people to get in their cars and drive to destinations in Wales, and that includes people getting in their cars in England..”

The BMC’s proposals for how climbing and hill walking could begin to resume safely were submitted to governments in London and Cardiff via various channels on Thursday - as yet we haven’t had a response.

Our Covid-19 Working Group will be reviewing the government’s plan document for England following its release this afternoon at 2pm. Once the group have read the document, discussions will take place to establish updated guidance for hill walkers and climbers as soon as possible. Please bear with us while we establish how changes to the regulations will affect our activities. As soon as we have a clearer idea we will publish our advice.

More FAQs about the BMC and Covid-19

🌳 Can I go climbing / hill walking in England? Here's what you can and can't do in the 3rd Lockdown (January 2021)

🌳 What's the situation for climbing and hill walking in Wales? Read our full January update

😷 When and will the walls reopen? In England and Wales they're now closed for the National Lockdown. Read our walls article

✈️ I have a travel insurance question! Here's the FAQs

🏡 Do you have any advice for clubs and huts? Check out our latest clubs, meets and huts update

🛒 Is the BMC shop open? Yes - it is and BMC members get 10% off!

We want to say thanks to every BMC member supporting us through the Coronavirus crisis.

From weekly Facebook Lives and GB Climbing home training videos, to our access team working to re-open the crags and fight for your mountain access, we're making through with your support.

If you liked what we are doing, then tell your friends about us: www.thebmc.co.uk/join

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