British mountaineers have worked as guides since the early days of mountaineering. In 1946 the British Mountaineering Council realised there was a need to test the skills of the few who wished to become full time professional guides. Certificates and badges were awarded and lists of qualified BMC guides were published.

In 1975 the Association of British Mountain Guides was formed as an autonomous body to develop and enhance the training, skills and reputation of the increasing number of skilled mountaineers who wished to qualify as guides and follow this profession in the world's mountains.

International Union of Associations of Mountain Guides

Our membership of the International Union of Associations of Mountain Guides (IFMGA ), followed, along with increased training and rigorous assessment. This membership, shared at present with guides from sixteen other countries, gives British Guides absolute equivalence with Guides in Alpine countries and throughout the world. The award of the International Guides Carnet demands the highest standards of skill and professionalism in all aspects of mountaineering.

The BMG today

Today the British Association of Mountain Guides has over 140 members with aspirants working their way through the qualification process. We have close links with the British Mountaineering Council and the Mountaineering Council of Scotland and work closely with the UK Mountain Training Board.

Many of our members also hold Mountaineering Instructor qualifications and are expertly equipped for all levels of instruction and advisory/consultancy work in climbing and mountaineering.

The Scope of Guiding

In any year the range of mountain activities offered by Guides is staggering. British Mountain Guides safely and successfully lead groups to the highest and most remote mountains on earth. Some Guides specialise in Alpine mountaineering whilst others work mainly with young people, senior climbers or women. Guides are able to provide group instruction and personal guiding at every level from easy climbs, walks and scrambles to the most demanding ascents at home and abroad all year round. Guides also offer instruction and guiding in snow and ice climbing as well as ski mountaineering and off-piste skiing. Many Guides offer Sport Climbing throughout Europe whilst on British rock and indoor walls instruction and guiding is always available. Guides are able to work at all levels making sure that the walking party will receive the same care and exclusive attention as someone who wants to find their limits on rock, ice or at altitude.

Beyond Guiding

Guides are increasingly involved in equipment design, development and testing, others act as consultants or assist in filming. Many offer lectures, write on mountain related matters and give technical advice.

Mountain Guiding is not only a profession but is also a vocation. Our members are united by their love of the mountain environment and their common aim. This is to assist others, their clients, to realise their mountain dreams and to find the exuberant joy, the wonderful unforgettable days which are so inseparable from the game of mountaineering at whatever level we wish to play.

Guides cannot remove all danger from an activity but with their great depth of knowledge and continually updated training they can certainly ensure that any normal risks are contained, so that their companions can freely savour the full scope of the experience offered.

The late Pete Boardman, a past President of our Association summed it up succinctly when he said of Guides, "Their lives are linked by a love and profession to the mountains, and their company will enhance the experience of all those who wish to approach the mountains and learn." There can be no better or more eloquent testimony to a Guide's work or to the value of a Guide's company on the hills.