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
To Friday 15 August 2025
Members of the AC and ABMSAC will be meeting for a three-day meet which mixes maintenance work on the George Starkey Hut with opportunities to explore the hills around Patterdale where the hut is located. Accommodation at the hut is made free for all attendees of the meet as a thankyou for giving up your time and energy to keep the hut in good condition.
There is always quite a lot that needs doing (painting, cleaning, pruning, digging, scrubbing, tidying etc) but you are only expected to work some of the time and will have the opportunity to get out on the hill on at least one day.
There will be a communal meal on Thursday evening. For other days the White Lion is open again for eating out, and of course GS Hut kitchen is available too.
Please book places on the Maintenance meet nights through the warden, Marian Parsons on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
If you wish to stay on for extra nights, please use the Hut Booking system.
