Resources For Hill Sports Enthusiasts
Mountaineering, Climbing, Fell Running and Walking Organisations
British Mountaineering Council
The BMC is the main umbrella organisation covering hill sports in England and Wales. The BMC represents the interests of us walkers, climbers, mountaineers and runners. Membership which can be obtained through your membership of the Carlisle Mountaineering Club includes 3rd party liability cover. As with many umbrellas there are grumbles from within our community over some of its priorities but it must be remembered that there is one hell of a lot of voluntary work that goes on at a local level which keeps our paths, crags and trails open and without the backbone of a national body, much of that effort would be wasted.
Mountaineering Scotland
Mountaineering Scotland, is the equivalent of England’s BMC, which promotes all forms of mountain sports north of the border.
From bouldering to Scottish winter climbing to ski touring, Mountaineering Scotland provides training and information to promote safety, self-reliance and enjoyment in the hills. It is the body which campaigns to protect both Scotland’s mountain landscapes and the normally simpler, but frequently feudal, rights of access to them.
Its work is funded by membership subscriptions, non-governmental grants and investment from Sport Scotland.
Fell Runners Association
The FRA is the body that looks after fell running, and its guiding principle is one most of us would sign up to: a minimum of rules and regulations commensurate with safety and fair competition. It publishes the annual fixtures calendar and handbook, oversees the English and British Championships and runs a strong junior programme. It is not all about racing though. The FRA also offers navigation, coaching and first aid courses, which are as useful to walkers and climbers as they are to runners. Members receive The Fellrunner magazine three times a year and early entry to some races.
Mountain Training UK
Mountain Training is the network behind the skills courses and leadership qualifications for walking, climbing and mountaineering across the UK and Ireland. Mountain Leaders and Rock Climbing Instructors all get their ticket from this body. The Hill Skills, Mountain Skills and Rock Skills courses are aimed squarely at those of us who simply want to be safer and more self-reliant on the fells and crags. Courses are run by approved providers, with plenty here in the Lakes. Working alongside the BMC and Mountaineering Scotland, it sets the standards that keep our volunteer leaders and instructors competent and confident. At least 2 club members are part of this currently.
Association of Mountaineering Instructors
AMI is the representative body for professionally qualified Mountaineering and Climbing Instructors in the UK and Ireland. Every member holds either the Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor award or its winter equivalent, the highest UK qualifications for teaching climbing and mountaineering. That makes the AMI badge a reliable shorthand for anyone looking to hire an instructor, whether for a first multi-pitch lead, a scrambling course or a navigation refresher. Its website has a searchable directory of members, with a good number based here in the Lakes.
British Mountain Guides
British Mountain Guides is the professional association for the UK’s internationally qualified mountain guides, and the British member of the IFMGA, the worldwide federation of guides’ associations. Its members work in the UK, Europe and further afield in the world’s famous climbing areas and high mountain ranges. The IFMGA carnet is the only qualification recognised for guiding on glaciers and in the high Alps, on foot or on ski, and earning it takes years of training and assessment in rock, winter, alpine and ski mountaineering. If your ambitions run to a first alpine four-thousander, a ski tour or a big route beyond your current reach, the Find a Guide directory on its website is the place to look.