The IMC welcomes adults of all abilities. You must be 18 or over to join. We do not require new members to go through a probationary period or for rock climbers to achieve a minimum climbing grade. You need, at least, the basic skills for the activities you will participate in, and above all we ask you to be enthusiastic and willing to fit in with others.
Hill Walking
When Hill Walking please make sure that as a minimum you have:
- waterproof jacket & trousers, and walking boots
- appropriate warm clothing, hat, gloves, ( cotton is not good and jeans are particularly cold when wet), a spare warm layer
- packed lunch and a drink and an easily carried bag (a small rucksack to carry them and the spare clothes
You can find out more in this BMC Booklet.
Some hill walking routes are more challenging than others. Please check with the walk leader or the walks coordinator, the length, height gain and terrain of the walk to be sure it is within your capabilities.
Rock Climbing
If you are a climber and can “tie on”, belay, have a harness, boots (and preferably a helmet if outdoors) come along and try us out. If you have not climbed before, and you don’t know anyone who can show you the basics, we recommend you go to a local climbing wall to learn the basics. We are unable to provide formal climbing training, neither do we have climbing equipment to loan.
However, whilst we don’t provide formal training, one of the benefits of being in a club is the opportunity to learn from people with more experience who can pass on their knowledge as you develop your skills.
We owe it to you and the members of our club, no matter how experienced you are, or appear to be, to ensure you are safe. We will keep an eye out to be sure you equip yourself properly, are competent and when climbing, can belay safely, when you first come along.
Personal responsibility
You must take responsibility for yourself ! Whilst club members will organise activities, and perhaps plan and lead a meet, they are not there to take care of you ! It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the necessary skills, abilities, fitness and equipment for any activity you participate in. If in doubt ask! This is not only for your own safety but that of those around you.
We draw your attention to the BMC Participation Statement at the foot of this page.
