Membership of South Wales Mountaineering Club is open to anyone (under 18s can join the Junior section). Please note that if you are a complete beginner it would be appreciated if you would gain basic climbing knowledge at your local climbing wall. We will consider for membership any person who can demonstrate to us the necessary attitudes and aptitudes. The club is run by volunteers, we don’t have formal climbing qualifications but are experienced climbers.

If you are interested in joining or would like more information email  Alec Naylor (Membership Secretary East) or Abi Davies (Membership Secretary West). Note that we only split East-West for administrative purposes – we are all one club and all members are welcome on all meets!

Joining the club gives you certain advantages, the most important of which is that you are covered by British Mountaineering Council (BMC) third party indemnity.

Membership Benefits

The SWMC is affiliated to the British Mountaineering Council which looks after the interests of climbers and hill walkers in a variety of ways, e.g. Access and Conservation, Insurance Schemes and Competitions.

  • Affiliated membership of the British Mountaineering Council (BMC)
  • Discounted entry at climbing centres: Boulders (Cardiff), Dynamic Rock (Swansea), Summit Centre (Treharris)
  • 3rd party liability (Through the BMC)
  • Access to club equipment at Meet & Greet events
  • Discounted rates for the club’s hut in North Wales
  • Discounted copies of the “Gower & South East Wales” guide book*
  • Regular newsletter
  • Access to the club’s bulletin board / discussion forum (not available to junior members)
  • Discount at some “Outdoor” retailers. Currently includes Up and Under

SWMC members are encouraged to use the club’s bulletin board so that they can receive club communications – you can now use this on your mobile phone too.

* = the current guidebook is now out of print however there is a limited stock available for sale to members

Climbing Equipment

The club maintains a small stock of equipment to help get new members started, including basic harnesses, helmets, steel karabiners and some short lengths of static rigging rope. This is generally available for our Meet & Greet events and can be made available by prior arrangement for Wednesday evenings and other meets.

Once you’ve decided climbing is for you, you will need to supply your own harness, climbing boots and a helmet. Helmets must be worn by junior members when climbing outside. If you have a rope please bring it, so that the leaders are not using their own kit all the time.

Members Responsibilities

  • Behave sensibly! – Climbing is a dangerous sport!
  • Always wear your harness properly – The buckle should be on the waist and not the hips.
  • Belaying is a very responsible job! – Please be careful and look after your climbing partner. Check each other’s knots and karabiners before climbing; do not distract other members who are belaying.
  • Always wear a helmet when climbing or belaying outside.
  • Make new club members feel welcome. Remember! You were once a beginner too!
  • Treat all equipment with respect! (e.g. don’t walk on ropes or drop helmets). Ensure all equipment is returned and help to tidy the equipment at the end of the session. (e.g. coil ropes).

For more information about under 18s please see Junior membership

Membership application

There are 3 different categories of membership:

  • Adult: £30
  • Full time students: £25
  • Junior (11 to 17): £20
  • Under 11s are free when joining with a paying parent

To apply for membership or a trial period please complete our online application form (adults) – for under 18s please complete the Junior application form.

For membership enquiries please contact: