Where to Look If you want to learn more about climbing, or perhaps try it out yourself, here are some suggestions where to look. Basic information about the sport and equipment is available from a number of sources including: Books, magazines and videos Mountain Climbing clubs Outdoor Pursuits centres Experienced climbers, instructors and outdoor pursuits teachers in school Indoor Wall centres Outdoor Pursuits shops National Organisations The Internet: Web links
	Books, Magazines and Videos Look in your local library or larger newsagent for information. A librarian may be able to order books from another library that they do not have in their stock. Larger newsagents may stock up-to-date guide books, information books and videos. Good guidebooks contain information about how to get to climbing routes with maps describing the routes themselves (which crack to follow, where to place belay stations, etc.). They also rate each route's difficulty. Climbing clubs and instructors can recommend good titles to look out for. Books will also tell you about equipment and safety but this is best learned in a practical session from an experienced climber. 'Climbing' is just one of the many monthly magazine available from newsagents. Mountain at http://www.ikhaya.co.uk/mountain/ is an on-line climbing magazine with lots of up-to-date information.
	Clubs / Indoor and Outdoor Centres Mountain Climbing clubs offer you the opportunity to learn with more experienced members. Most will recommend local places to climb. The Fell and Rock Climbing Club of the English Lake District, for example, provide information about recommended Lake District climbs to other climbing groups. Web site, Fell and Rock Climbing Group, http://www.cumbria.com/FRCC/ Climbing instruction is often advertised in local yellow pages and most Outdoor Pursuits centres will have contact with instructors. Lessons for individuals or groups can usually be provided through the Centre. Some outward bound centres may offer courses leading to recognised diplomas and certificates. Indoor climbing is popular with beginners or experienced climbers who want to practise various techniques. Climbing Walls are located in many towns and cities throughout the UK. See http://www.thebmc.co.uk/walls.html for some locations.
	Organisation and Associations The Alpine Club UK was founded in 1857 for "the promotion of good fellowship among mountaineers, of mountain climbing and mountain exploration throughout the world, and of better knowledge of the mountains through literature, science and art". Its members are now drawn from more than thirty countries and it is actively involved with other Associations throughout the world. The British Mountaineering Councilis the organisation that exists to 'protect the freedoms and promote the interests of climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers, including ski-mountaineers.'The BMC advises on climbing walls, supports expeditions and investigates failed equipment. The organisation provides advice, information and useful literature to climbers throughout the UK. Web site http://www.thebmc.co.uk/
	The Internet: Web Links Climbing Walls UK http://www.thebmc.co.uk/walls.html Mountain On-line http://www.ikhaya.co.uk/mountain/ The British Mountaineering Council http://www.thebmc.co.uk/ The Fell and Rock Climbing Club of the English Lake District http://www.cumbria.com/FRCC/ Lake District Climbs http://www.cumbria.com/FRCC/climbing/crag.htm Sometimes you will see climbing equipment advertised for sale on the web. If you do decide to buy from this source you should use the same caution as if you were buying from any mail order source. Make sure you can return the goods at no personal cost if they are not suitable. Before you buy, seek advice from a qualified instructor about what you need and how much you should pay.
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Last modified on: Tuesday, July 1, 1997.