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
For our February event we are delighted to entertain Calvin Torrans who has been at the forefront of Irish climbing since the 1970s. He was one of the first Irish Alpine guides with many visits to the greater ranges but is particularly associated with rock climbing in Ireland where he has made many first ascents and contributed to many guidebooks. In the 1970s he and his wife Clare were a driving force in the rejuvenation of Fairhead on the Antrim coast pushing standards and opening new lines. This magnificent 5km long, 100m high cliff is one of the finest in the British Isles and now has over 400 routes. This active enthusiasm has continued to the present all over Ireland and Calvin has always been welcoming and free with advice and information for visiting climbers. Calvin and Clare are still very active climbing in Ireland and will talk about Fairhead and some of the climbing delights of the Irish west coast.
The venue is the Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2JL..
Contact Timothy Elson Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
