The BMC has announced that outdoor climbing, also known as rock climbing, is to be renamed 'Wild Climbing' in line with other pursuits that naturally take place in 'the wild' - AKA the outdoors - such as 'Wild Swimming.' 

In recent years, climbers have faced an identity crisis. Choosing the appropriate terminology to describe their activity has proven difficult. "Climbing was just climbing before indoor walls came about," says Jenny Hartkorr. "Then the distinction was made between indoor and outdoor climbing. Now Wild Climbing. Why do people feel the need to attach labels to everything?!"

Wild Swimmer Jim Goff believes his sport's adopted name adds depth to the experience. "Knowing that what I'm doing is classed as a bit out-there and extreme really makes up for the fact that I'm freezing my bits off out there!" he said.

The BMC clarified that the term would be applicable to all disciplines of climbing that take place in the outdoors— even bouldering. A spokesperson said:

"As long as there are no toilets, no artisan coffee and no wifi, we'd say that classes as pretty wild."

Wild Climber Dave MacLeod commented: "I'm really psyched about this news. Now my Wild Climbs will get more coverage in The Guardian and get more Instagram likes. Maybe I'll even write a book about it. Tame Climbing is for losers."