News
Some formal news will be posted here but much of the most up-to-date news and useful information can be found on our Facebook Page or our Twitter feed.
May Trip – Cancelled
22nd May 2025
Bad news I’m afraid. We have been keeping a very close eye on the weather forecast this week and it’s done nothing but deteriorate to the point where we feel that there is no option but to cancel the trip. All the specialist forecasts are pointing to the same strong Atlantic front pushing...
New posting in the Kitmart
28th April 2025
Ruckscack • water bottles • camping crockery ...
New posting in the Kitmart
6th January 2025
A bargain pair of Mammut boots now on the Kitmart Details here ...
February winter mountaineering trip now open
6th January 2025
But filling up fast so don't delay! Details and application form here ...
September Hill Walking, Peak District trip now full
1st August 2024
This event is now full and we can no longer accept applications. However, we do keep a reserve list in case anyone drops out so if you would like to be added to the reserve list, please click the button below. Register your interest...
Vango Stove product recall
22nd June 2024
We’ve been made aware of a product recall on two models of Vango Folding Stoves, purchased since September 2022. The stoves affected are: Folding Gas Stove ACXSTOVE DAKZ36Folding Stove with Windshield and Piezo ACXSTOVE DEWZ36 The products have been recalled due to risk of fire,...
May Hill Walking & Wild camping trip now full
5th May 2024
This event is now full and we can no longer accept applications. However, we do keep a reserve list in case anyone drops out so if you would like to be added to the reserve list, please click the button below. Register your interest ...
Dean Harding
2nd March 2024
Gone Home. It is with deep regret and great sadness that [Kent Scouts] share the very sad news, Dean Harding our County Commissioner for Kent has unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday 28th February. Please follow the link for the full message from our County Chair, Des Harris, and also a...
February Winter Mountaineering trip is full
7th January 2024
In under 7 days all the available places on the Winter Mountaineering trip to Yr Hafod in February have been filled – we did warn you it was popular trip! Sorry but we can no longer accept applications. However, you can still use the "Register your interest"...
MAXC 2023 – UPDATE
26th November 2022
Due to a modest uptake and unforeseeable spiralling costs, the committee has taken the difficult decision to cancel MAXC 2023. They would like to thank all those who had already committed to supporting the event and hope that the same enthusiasm can be carried forward...because...
Looking ahead in 2021
30th April 2021
Alas, lockdown easing hasn't come quite soon enough for us to be able to organise the usual late-May Bank holiday trip to the Lakes. Doubtless everyone has a lot of catching-up to do after 12th June and over the summer. Therefore the next IMC event will be planned for September, probably...
February trip cancelled
4th January 2021
It will come as no surprise that the Winter Mountaineering trip to Snowdonia will not take place in February. The reasons are, we hope, obvious and entirely Covid-related. Apart from the fact that restrictions are currently being tightened, the Scout Activity Centre at Yr Hafod also remains closed...
Remaining 2020 programme cancelled
3rd August 2020
2020 has been a disastrous year, not just for IMC events but also for hills and scouting activities in general: For the first time ever IMC were forced to cancel a trip in advance - our ever-popular winter trip to North Wales in February - because of the atrocious weather forecast. A very wise...
COVID 19 Update
8th July 2020
We are doing out best to stay on top of developments regarding the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. The rules differ considerably between, England, Scotland and Wales and we also have to abide by the Scout Association advice, which is currently still Red in some areas. Whether the situation is...
COVID-19 Update
14th April 2020
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions the late May bank holiday trip will, inevitably not be taking place. Our next planned trip is in September which we hope, by then, will be able to go ahead. We will continue to monitor all advice on the situation and if the event is allowed to take place,...
The May trip and COVID-19
16th March 2020
We're obviously keeping a very close eye on what is a constantly changing situation and a decision about whether the May trip goes ahead will be made by Easter. That decision will be informed by the latest advice from the UK Government and the Scout Association. ...
Winter trip has been CANCELLED
13th February 2020
Email to applicants, 10.00 am, Thursday 13th February. The other group leaders have been very closely monitoring the weather forecast and ground conditions in Snowdonia and have reluctantly decided to CANCEL THE TRIP this weekend. We've given it every chance but the forecast has...
Storm Dennis
12th February 2020
We're keeping a very close eye on the weather forecast for our trip to Wales this weekend. It is possible that #StormDennis might force us to cancel unless things change substantially over the next few days. As the forecast stands, it will be impossible to get safely onto the hill and even...
Application for the February trip are now closed
1st February 2020
...
February trip full
1st January 2019
In some sort of record for applications, the February trip to Snowdonia has been fully subscribed within 30 hours of applications opening! Any further applications, received after 21.00 on 1st January will be put on the stand-by list in case of drop-outs. Anyone applying after this time...
Programme updated
31st December 2018
The IMC programme has been updated for 2019. Further updates will occur as and when locations are confirmed. Stay tuned! ...
February applications now open
31st December 2018
Applications for the winter trip to Snowdonia in February are now open. Be quick though, this trip fills up very quickly! ...
Privacy and personal data
25th May 2018
The IMC Privacy Policy has been updated in-line with that of Kent Scouts. ...
Calling all T1 Permit holders
8th September 2017
Ideal opportunity for permit holders to get some hill time and supervision experience for their log books. Hi all I have some explorers and leaders from Maidstone (2 teams, and 4 leaders) booked for an Explorer Event (preparation for Gold DofE) and they would like to do 1.5 days training...
Assistance Required
11th June 2017
All, Due to some late leader withdrawals, the Kent Scout Expedition Challenge urgently requires leaders to help with this event between 23rd - 25th June. It is based at Hope Hill and leaders are required to walk with the Scouts and oversee their map reading skills. No authorisations are...
Scout Association hills consultation
29th July 2016
The Scout Association are consulting proposed changes to their Terrain definitions for mountain activities as well as changes to cycling and snow sports. Please read the full consultation document and respond directly to The Scout Association if you would your opinion to be heard. ...
BMC to change it's name
29th July 2016
The BMC (British Mountaineering Council) is set to change it's name to "Climb Britain". This decision is, not unexpectedly, causing a lot of controversy. Follow the debate on their Facebook Page ...
Hill walking assessment opportunity
19th February 2016
Are you interested in doing a Hill walking assessment, either a new one, a renewal or an upgrade? If so, an offer has come in for you to join an assessment session on Easter Saturday. This is being incorporated into the Gravesham District Scouts Hillcraft weekend and there is an open...
Graham White
6th December 2015
The IMC is saddened to hear of the sudden death of Graham White on Friday. Graham was one of the major stalwarts of the IMC and a former vice-chair. An enthusiastic and safe mountain leader who was the soul of the party and a big supporter of many. A truly reliable and inspirational friend...
Nepal Earthquake Disaster
28th April 2015
For those of us who have been fortunate enough to have trekked or climbed in Africa or the greater ranges, you will know the valuable role played by local guides, porters and cooks etc who contributed so much to the experience. So if you were wondering what might be the best way to contribute to...
50th Anniversary Weekend
30th March 2015
The IMC 50th Anniversary weekend closing date has been given a one week extension. If you were thinking of joining us but haven't got round to sending us the form, you'd better get cracking! Application forms must be with us by Saturday 4th April. A few seats left on the minibus too. ...
Climbing Technology crampon recall
19th February 2015
Climbing Technology crampon recall ...
Fake crampon alert
5th February 2015
See this story regarding dangerous knock-off crampons being sold on-line. Technical kit for winter and climbing can be a life saver so always buy and only trust a bargain from a reputable source. ...
First Aid Courses in January
8th December 2014
EVENT - Wilderness First Aid Course (16 hour) + BTEC Level two in Outdoor First Aid (16 hour). DATE - 24th & 25th January 2015 LOCATION - Maidstone Area CLOSING DATE - 24th December (confirmation that the course will be running will be done on the 27th December) COURSE FEE - £100 for 6...
GriGri 2 recall
20th May 2014
http://www.petzl.com/us/outdoor/us/recall-replacement-grigri-2 ...
Buttermere trip almost full
14th April 2014
The May bank holiday trip to Buttermere is almost full. There are only a few placed left so get your application forms in quick, if you still want to come. Deadline is Friday 2nd May. ...
Support Mountain Rescue
8th September 2013
If you're getting out into the hills regularly then you really ought to be supporting these guys and the dedicated work that they do. Consider it a really good value insurance policy if you must but do sign-up. ...
Quick-draw mistake costs 12 year old's life
9th July 2013
You may have read about the tragic death of 12 year old climbing prodigy Tito Traversa who took a 50ft ground fall while climbing in France... The reason was an incorrectly self-assembled quick-draw. Please have a look at this article (translation) and make sure that don't make the same mistake....
The future?
28th June 2013
Let me introduce you to a new bio-optical knowledge recording and dissemination system, responding to the trade name : MAP "Map" is an unprecedented technological revolution... ...
Climbing and Scrambling Consultation
27th June 2013
For those of you with permits, please read this second stage of Scout Association consultation into climbing and scrambling and feeedback as you see fit. ...
IMC AGM - Saturday 15th June
11th June 2013
Don't forget the IMC AGM this Saturday at 5pm. Big changes are afoot so please come along and help decide the future of your club. Obviously most of the real business will be done during the Rolling Pin Ramble before the meting or at the BBQ afterwards. All the details are on the Website and...
Easter weather warning
24th March 2013
With the double Bank Holiday, Easter is a popular time to get away to the hills. This year however, those hills are very much expected to be still under full winter condition. Over the last week or so most of the mountaineering organisations and mountain rescue teams have posted warning...
Big training discounts from Plas y Brenin
13th March 2013
The National Mountain Center at Plas y Brenin are offering up to 75% discounts for training and qualifications. If you're thinking of doing your WGL, ML or SPA this year, have a look and see if you qualify. ...
Progress on the climbing wall
20th February 2013
Load of photos on The Barn's Facebook Page ...
Doing a DofE expedition this year?
3rd January 2013
Then you need to join us for a training weekend in the New Forest. Specifically designed to bring your Wild Camping skills up to scratch as well as other vital skills such as route planning, navigation, menu choices, leadership to name but a few. All the details are here ...
Wild Country Helium Recall
17th December 2012
Wild Country have issued a voluntary recall on recent production Helium Karabiners ...
Welcome to the new IMC website
30th November 2012
The IMC has undergone a few significant changes in the last year including a new constitution and a new chairman - so why not a new website? This site has been completely rebuilt from scratch so does not include any retrospective information from the old site - sorry. It is very much still a...
Work begins on the Climbing Barn
19th November 2012
Work begins on the Climbing Barn at Lower Grange Farm. This building is being built to re-house the climbing wall that was 'recused' from Buckmore Park. As well as the climbing and bouldering walls it will include an ice climbing wall, viewing gallery and full disabled access. It is also likely to...
IMC to the rescue!
2nd November 2012
Club members were happy to stop and help a lady who had collapsed on Cribyn during our recent trip to the Brecon Beacons. Fellow walkers had already stopped to help but our shelter and flasks of hot drink were invaluable as we waited in a bitterly cold NE wind for Brecon Mountain Rescue to...
Petzl Rope Man 3 recall
2nd November 2012
Important news if you have a Petzl rope man 3. Check out the details here ...
Progress on the new Climbing Wall at Lower Grange Farm
21st October 2012
After finally securing planning permission for a new building at Lower Grange Farm, a contractor has been appointed and work on the new climbing wall is set to start very soon. There are two information days planned for those of you who would like to know more on Sunday 28th and Wednesday 31st...
October weekend scaled down because of DoE
21st October 2012
The October Hill walking weekend in the Breacon Beacons is still going ahead but has been scaled down due to a lack of applications. It appears that it clashes with a big DofE event which explains the low numbers. So instead of a coach full, there will be a small but perfectly formed group...
