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
This visually stunning and thought-provoking lecture was first presented at the Banff Mountain Book Festival in 2022 where John’s book 'A Path of Shadows' was shortlisted in the literature competition. The book is a biographical record of the inspiration the author has found in over sixty years of a life dedicated to mountaineering and mountain culture.
Non-members are very welcome to attend but should book in advance either by completing the form below or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
There is no official charge for entry, but we do ask non-members to make a small contribution towards the continued running of the lectures if they are able.
If you are unable to attend the lecture in person, members will be able to access a video recording of the talk shortly after the event via the 'Lecture Archive' section of the 'Member Login' drop-down menu. (You will need to log into the website to see this).
55/56 Charlotte Road
London
EC2A 3QF
Uk
