The past six weeks have been strange for everyone. In an effort to keep you entertained and up-to-date we have increased our output of news and articles. As you might expect, with limited access to the outdoors, we have seen a big increase in site traffic. We would like to thank every one of you: you are each a key part of what makes this wonderful website possible.

However, the lockdown has affected everyone hugely and the outdoor industry is no exception. Shops are closed and this means that the chain of supply, manufacture and design of outdoor equipment is on hold too. We rely on advertising from the outdoor industry to keep the sites running. With the freeze of the outdoor industry comes a freeze in the income which supports UKClimbing and UKHillwalking. As such we're in the strange situation that whilst our traffic has increased, our main source of income has decreased.

Become a Supporter

One of our core concepts is that our content is free for everyone and that is not going to change. Many news outlets around the world are dealing with this issue by implementing a paywall but that is something we do not want to do. However, we'll level with you: we do need some support right now.

We've come up with a way that you can support UKClimbing and UKHillwalking whilst maintaining our ethos of open access. The UKC Supporter scheme has two levels: UKC Supporter and UKC SupporterPlus. For those wishing for the 'Plus' option, you can support your favourite website and, in true UKC style, receive some excellent benefits in return: access to the Rockfax App, discounts on Rockfax guidebooks and the UKC Supporter Badge. Alternatively, you can simply show your support for either UKClimbing or UKHillwalkling by making a smaller donation and receive the UKC/UKH Supporter Badge as thanks. There are more details on the supporter scheme here.

In another change, we are making the For Sale Forums free to use for all value of items from today. To help with the selling process we have enabled photos to be included in forum posts for UKC/UKH Supporters. We ask that, if you use the forums to sell significant amounts of gear, then you take out a Supporter account which will have the added benefit of making your items sell more quickly!

While the UKC/UKH Supporter scheme has come from a time of need in the face of a crisis, we are committed to providing the kind of websites that we would love to visit. We want to inspire you with the most up-to-date news, an amazing app, beautifully produced guidebooks, diverse and interesting articles, comprehensive gear reviews, breathtaking photographs and a vast and useful logbook system. This is not something new, it is what we've always done and will continue to do. When this crisis is eventually over we intend to continue the UKC/UKH Supporter scheme in order to support the growth of the sites so that we can continue to offer you the kind of content you want to see.

UKClimbing and UKHillwalking are more than just websites - they are communities. As with any community, we're built upon a reciprocal exchange: we provide you with excellent websites, in return you give us your input through the forums, logbooks, and by simply visiting the sites, to make them what they are today. We are trying our hardest to ensure that this community can continue to exist in its current form, and we would love you to help us if you are able.

The UKC, UKH and Rockfax Team