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. The lecture includes readings both from the poems and essays in the book, and asks the question"Are we living in an extreme landscape on an unclimbed Himalayan peak, or on a city street crowded with people and skyscapers?" The answer perhaps lies in an evolutionary path we have yet to truly begin.
John is a past president of the Alpine Club
Lectures are free to AC and Eagle Ski Club members and students. Guests are welcome and are asked to make a donation of £5 to the Montane Alpine Club Climbing Fund.
You are welcome to join us in the downstairs bar of the Nova Scotia at 6.30pm before the lecture for drinks and meal.
Upper Room of Nova Scotia, Cumberland Basin, Hotwells
Bristol
BS1 6XJ
UK
