about the pinnacle club
WHAT IS THE PINNACLE CLUB?
The objectives of the Club are to encourage the development of rock climbing and mountaineering amongst women and bring together those who are interested in these pursuits. Today the club has an active membership of around 160, representing most age groups, occupations and areas of the country. It is a rock climbing club for women who are competent climbers and mountaineers. It does not cater for beginners, but neither does it require members to lead Extremes. The emphasis in the Pinnacle Club is on enjoying the sport at any grade, whether it is Diff or E8.
WHAT DOES THE CLUB DO?
The club has a full programme of meets - around 30 throughout the year. Meets take place usually at weekends in various climbing areas throughout the UK. Some meets are based in huts, others on campsites. The number of people on meets varies according to location, time of year and, of course the weather. Members climb together according to interest and ability. The interest and experience of Pinnacle Club members extends beyond rock climbing to hill walking, winter and Alpine climbing, ski mountaineering, Himalayan expeditions, fell running, caving, canoeing and other outdoor activities. A newsletter is distributed three times a year, the Club handbook is issued annually and a Journal every three years.
Read about the Pinnacle Club History
INTRODUCTORY MEETS
Intro Meets make an enjoyable introduction to the Club because it’s likely that several newcomers will be there together. You’ll have the opportunity to climb with existing Club members in a friendly and supportive social setting.
To attend an Introductory meet, we expect you to be able to lead a trad climb, including placing protection, building anchors and belaying a second. Please note that these meets are an introduction to the club, not an intro to climbing! If you are unsure whether you have sufficient skills in climbing outdoors, contact us and we can advise. You may also wish to consider attending a course.
Look at the Meets Calendar for upcoming dates, and then contact the club through the contact page for meet details.
OTHER MEETS IN THE PROGRAMME
Women climbers interested in the Club are welcome on most meets, so if you have experience of leading outdoors, it is not necessary to restrict yourself just to the intro meets. Some venues may be easier for you than others or you may prefer certain dates. The choice is yours!
JOIN THE PINNACLE CLUB
Step 1 - Simple: join us on a meet! If you're 18 or over and a competent trad leader, just contact us to tell us who you are and to find out if there's a meet that would suit you. Some people come along with a climbing partner, but you don't have to: in fact, most come on their first meet on their own. We'll always sort you out with someone to climb with. The meet coordinator will send you details of where to go, what to bring and who else is going in case you want to lift share. You'll need to bring at least your own personal equipment - rock boots, helmet, harness, belay device and slings, and if you have rope and rack as well that's great, otherwise there are always people willing to share gear.
PROSPECTIVE MEMBERSHIP
If after your first meet, you decide you'd like to come on more meets, we'll ask you to register as a prospective member. This is easy and free (but see below regarding insurance). We'll then send you a Meets List so you can book on the meets you fancy. We have a mix and match approach so don't worry about being left out. We encourage prospectives to climb with different members so you can get to know people in the Club and to build up experience.
Some meets are more adventurous and challenging than others. For meets in mountainous areas you will be expected to have some hill walking experience and basic navigation skills. On winter meets it's essential to bring and know how to use an ice axe and crampons.
MEMBERSHIP OF THE PINNACLE CLUB
Now the boring bit... You need to be 18 years or over, and display enough skill and competence to lead safely on traditionally-protected climbs, including multi-pitch climbs, and be prepared to share in the activities of the Club. You should have taken an active part in the Club’s activities for a minimum of six months, or have the written support of at least four Club members. Your application must also be proposed and seconded by members of the Club with whom you have climbed.
LIABILITY AND INSURANCE
Climbing and Mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities do so voluntarily. Individuals should be aware of and accept these risks and are responsible for their own actions and involvement. The Pinnacle Club is affiliated to the BMC and is insured for any organised event or activity. Club members are also insured for liability claims by third parties whilst participating in outdoor pursuits.
When you register as a Prospective Member we need you to pay the BMC affiliation fee (£21 in 2021) to ensure that you are covered by the Club's civil liability insurance. If you already pay this fee through another club or as an individual member you can claim the duplicate payment back from the BMC.