A free climbing festival is returning to Bolton this weekend. Hundreds have gathered to climb the quarries, take classes and enjoy the scenery over Wiltonfest’s 11 years of running the event. And on Saturday, August 31, the event is back at the Wilton quarries between Scout Road and Belmont Road near the Wilton Arms pub.
Beginning to advanced climbers can scale the former quarries or enjoy yoga, guided walks, bouldering, top ropes, raffles and a barbecue for a day of fun from 10am to 7pm. Stalls at Wiltonfest (Image: Andy Say) Most events at the festival are free and do not need a ticket, but master classes cost around £33 and must be booked in advance. British climbing legend Steve McClure will give a talk on a topic to be finalised.
Hot drinks will be available, but attendees must bring their own water. Mountain rescue and qualified first aiders will be on site. (Image: Michael Robinson) Robin Mueller, co-organiser of the event, said: “It’s a celebration of the local climbing scene that’s open to everyone.
“There’s very unique climbing in Lancashire.” The Wiltons are former quarries named Wilton 1, 2, 3 and 4. Robin said: “Quarry gritstone is left over from Lancashire’s historical past.
Climber on the prow (Image: Stuart Holmes) “A lot of quarries have stopped being used for quarrying and been taken over by climbers. They have another lease in life. “Lancashire is not well known for its climbing like the Lake District, so you don’t usually see a lot.