British Mountaineering Council

The BMC is the national representative body that looks after the interests of climbers, hill walkers, mountaineers and ski mountaineers in England and Wales.

The BMC campaigns to protect and improve access to our countryside and coast. They also bring to the attention of government any issues that might affect the enjoyment of the outdoors.

They are also recognised by the government as the national governing body for indoor climbing competitions.

When you become a member of the BMC, you support vital work around the UK to maintain and restore crags, paths and mountains for climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers.

The BMC website is a useful resource for technical information and their insurance policies are designed for climbers, walkers and mountaineers.

Mountain Training UK and Ireland

Mountain Training UK and Ireland administers six professional qualifications and is the coordinating body for all of the national Mountain Training organisations in the UK and Ireland. Each national Mountain Training organisation is responsible for managing skills and qualification schemes with the course providers they have approved to deliver these schemes.

If you would like to obtain a walking or climbing qualification in the UK, you will find everything you need to know in the MTA website.

International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation

The UIAA is the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation and represents climbers and instructors across the world.

It is also a crucial driving force for the improvement of safety standards with an amazing depth of knowledge within its core members.

Their Technical Safety Reports are well worth looking at for an insight into safety issues and the correct use of equipment.