People join the BMC for many reasons such as to take out BMC Travel Insurance, get discounts in shops and to register for Mountain Training awards. We particularly love that the top reason members renew is to support the work of the BMC. But don't take our word for it, read what our members have to say.
We asked a dozen BMC members why they joined.
Emma Harrington - climber
“I initially joined for the BMC’s work at the crags that I climb at. Living in the South East of England, my local crag is Harrisons Rocks which is managed by the BMC. I wanted to contribute towards the BMC’s work so I can continue to have access to the crags. I’ve also volunteered with work on the sandstone crags so that we can assure that access is maintained. Plus, an added bonus is that I can get up to 10% off at many stores with my BMC membership card – handy when I need to buy expensive items for my sport!”
Cathy Colam, walking leader
“Having been a member for many years, I now mainly walk, scramble and lead walks in the Lake District. The BMC is important to me as being a major body able to throw its weight at national issues that affect all who use the outdoors. Getting some direct benefit as an individual is almost incidental.”
Dave Parry, boulderer
“I used to be a member years ago, but I admit that I let my membership lapse out of laziness. But with the recent Peak Park Asset Review rearing its head, the BMC access work suddenly seemed very important. It struck me that we should all get involved, put our hands in our pockets and renew our memberships to support the BMC if we want to continue using our favourite crags. Also, with the price of rockshoes now the topside of £100, I fully intend to milk to 10% members discount!”
Adrian Baxter, sport climber
“I joined the BMC for three important reasons. Firstly, to take advantage of the excellent BMC insurance to keep me covered when I’m away climbing. Secondly, to be constantly kept informed about outdoor access to my favourite crag. And, finally, to be kept up-to-date about the latest national and international competition events and results.”
Terry Abraham, Filmmaker and Photographer
The BMC has a bit of a reputation for only supporting climbers. Far from it! They do just as much work to protect and support hill walking in the UK. I'm proud to be a member and lend a hand in my own small way. My profession involves spending a lot of time outdoors, be it hiking or wild camping. Consequently I've seen first-hand the immense help many organisations receive thanks to the BMC.
Bonny Masson, mountaineer
“Thanks to the BMC we can have a strong voice and open discussion on things important to us, such as access and conservation problems. I only wish more outdoor users were aware of this work and how not to add to it! Also, I survived my early days, despite starting out with a university club! Now it’s now great to see all the initiatives for better safety and knowledge. The BMC is ‘us’, not ‘them’, so don’t grumble – contribute and help your chosen passion!”
Tom Hutton, scrambler
“The more I thought about it, the more I felt that walkers and climbers are vulnerable. As space gets tighter, and liability and all kinds of other legislation becomes more rigorous, I could see a day when I’d no longer be welcome on my local crag, hillside or summit. The BMC seemed to have realised this too. And seemed to pour most of their effort into making sure I would be able to continue enjoying these things. When you think about the amount of pleasure you get from this access, it makes the membership fee seem like a bargain.”
Kyle Wood, rock & ice climber and alpine mountaineer
“I first joined the BMC to support the access and conservation work and for the travel insurance. Without the BMC, there’s no way we could enjoy the full range of climbing we have in the UK; I think every climber should be surrendering the small membership fee to support this excellent work. I’ve also been unfortunate enough to use my BMC insurance for a helicopter rescue while mountaineering in Switzerland. The whole process was handled quickly and using BMC insurance for all my trips now is a no-brainer now!”
Sarah Stirling, mountain runner
“15% off at Snow+Rock! Well, it’s not to be sniffed at, but there are other reasons why I joined. When I booked my first climbing holiday with my university club, BMC insurance was recommended to me. I found it was tailored specifically for what I wanted to do in the mountains. Plus, it’s nice to think the profits go back into looking after our interests. The BMC do a great job of managing discussions on important issues such as access and conservation.”
Dan Lane, trad climber
“I joined the BMC for various reasons, the benefits of huts and the insurance, but I also felt I was putting something back into the climbing community, for all the work the wonderful access reps and volunteers do. It was the least I could do to help the BMC keep doing such a good job. I love being involved with the BMC, both as a member and a volunteer with the guidebooks.”
Tony Greenwood, club climber
“I originally joined through my Climbing Club (Achille Ratti), but took out individual membership to start my Mountain Leader Training a couple of years ago. Since then, I have used the travel insurance (very good and competitive) and got the most of the mountain maps – which have just the right mix of detail and scale. Perhaps I’ll meet up with the North-West BMC crowd in the Black Bull one of these days, as I live just around the corner.”
Molly-Thompson-Smith, competition climber
“The BMC has allowed me to pursue my dreams of testing myself against the best in the climbing world in some of the most beautiful places and locations on the globe. The organisation itself inspires both young and old and is so supportive in the way that it makes you feel special and appreciated.”
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