New crowdfunding campaign launched to Mend Our Mountains

BMC is raising £100,000 to repair damaged paths across the UK, and they need your help

It’s been a tough few years for our national parks. Despite a boom in visitor numbers, smaller budgets, plus extensive flooding mean that national park authorities are struggling to keep up, with paths to some of the UK’s major peaks under threat.

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) is calling on outdoor lovers throughout the UK to get our paths back on track, launching Mend Our Mountains, a new crowdfunding campaign backed by the likes of Sir Chris Bonington and Julia Bradbury.

Sir Chris Bonington, renowned British mountaineer and BMC Patron, said: “Footpath work is essential to look after our mountains. Without it many routes in places like the Lake District would become huge scars or rivers of scree.

Chris Bonington is supporting the project, and

Chris Bonington is supporting the project, and offering a walk and pub lunch to one pledger | BMC

“Mend Our Mountains is an innovative way for walkers and climbers to make a collective contribution to preserve the beauty of the fells at a challenging time. I fully support it and would encourage everyone to donate. Together we can make a difference. If the whole outdoor public comes together we can provide a financial lifeline for these vital environmental projects at a time of need. But to do that we need your help. Please spread the word.”

The project aims to raise £100,000 through the campaign for eight different projects covering the following areas:

  • Watkin Path on Snowdon, North Wales
  • Ringing Roger on Kinder, Peak District
  • Waun Rydd in central Brecon Beacons
  • High Moor on Dartmoor
  • Swine Tail, Ingleborough in the Yorkshire Dales,
  • Scafell Pike in the Lake District
  • Lyke Wake Walk in the North York Moors
  • Long Chains Combe in Exmoor Forest

This isn’t your typical fundraising project. In true crowdfunding fashion,  donors will receive a reward in return, including personal experiences donated by outdoor personalities, mountaineers, national parks and the outdoor industry.

Here's what's at stake:

Here’s what’s at stake: Snowdon’s much-trodden path is eroding away 

Here’s a little taste of what’s on offer:

  • A walk in Borrowdale in the Lake District and pub lunch with Sir Chris Bonington – pledge £1000 (only 1 available)
  • A place on a full day’s walk in the Lake District with filmmaker Terry Abraham – pledge £100 (4 available)
  • A day out for 3 people in the Cairngorms with long-distance walker Chris Townsend – pledge £250 (1 available)
  • A day of trad climbing tuition for two people in Snowdonia with top climber James McHaffie – pledge £250 (1 available)
  • A day of sport climbing tuition for two people in the Peak District with top climber Steve McClure – pledge £300 (1 available)

Lower value pledges include money off discounts, vouchers, BMC DVDs and Mend Our Mountain t-shirts.

Head here to pledge your support.

OAG