The Alpine Club, the world’s first mountaineering club, was founded in 1857. For over 150 years, members have been at the leading edge of worldwide mountaineering development and exploration.
With membership, experienced and aspiring alpinists benefit from a varied meets programme, regional lectures with notable guest speakers, reduced rates at many alpine huts, opportunity to apply for grants to support expeditions, significant discounts at many UK retailers, extensive networking contacts, access to the AC Library and maps - and more!
Becoming a MemberSymposia
Below is a list of Alpine Club Symposia.
Organised by members of The Alpine Club, events focus on the mountains of a particular area, or on a specific aspect of mountaineering. Each symposium runs for a whole day and is typically held at a weekend in the Lake District, North Wales or the Peak District. During the day experts on the subject, including top mountaineers from around the world, give a series of illustrated presentations, creating an event that is both informative and inspiring. Take a look at the impressive list of speakers at recent and forthcoming symposia to see why these events are so popular. The symposia are usually open to members at a discount, as well as non-members.
Symposia are particularly useful for anyone planning an expedition or looking for new places to visit. Many expeditions have started in the bar after a symposium; but be warned: these events can be dangerously inspirational!
Events Calendar
We will be honoured to host the SMC President. Noel is an expert on many areas of the Scottish Scene, both historical and geographical.
Noel will talk on Clement Wragge who climbed Ben Nevis almost daily throughout the summers of 1881 and 1882 in order to take weather readings, and whose efforts eventually lead to the building of the Pony Track and the setting up of the Meteorological Observatory on the summit. Noel will describe how his research into the prodigious efforts of 'Inclement Wragge' began as a result of his interest in the geology of Ben Nevis, Colby camps and the Observatory ruins. Wragge was a remarkable man whose exploits brought him international attention. He was also prone to a number of eccentricities sadly lacking in the present generations.
