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.
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.
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.
“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 of people when you go out for it.
“Once a year when we get together for Wiltonfest, we feel there’s a community around us, which we don’t always see when we’re out on our own.”
Wiltonfest has seen climbers of all ages.
Robin said: “We have everything from children up to people in their 70s and 80s.
“A lot have been climbing around here for decades.
“Since it’s an outdoor sport you see more younger people doing it but there’s plenty of people passionate about it later in life.”
Beginners are also invited for supervised climbs or bouldering with gear provided.
Robin said: “With climbing you can push your limits or do it in a gentle way.
“It’s all about personal choice and judgment in climbing.”
Wiltonfest offers traditional climbing and bouldering in a unique setting.
One of the quarries is owned by the British Mountaineering Council, one of the event's funders.
The others are owned by two local gun clubs, Bolton Gun Club and Bolton Rifle and Pistol Club.
Robin said: “The character of the place is a little bit different.
“The gun club has some shooting bankings in the quarry which gives it a certain atmosphere.
“They’re quite handy because we use the shelters for stalls for the market traders who come to the festival.
“And if it rains it’s somewhere nice to get undercover.”
The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) recommends that people wear a helmet while climbing and be aware of potential loose rock.
Blasting techniques used when the Wiltons were quarries and natural weathering can loosen rock over time.
The BMC warns that climbers treat fixed equipment like pegs, stuck trad gear, belay and few bolts on quarry routes with caution and judge carefully whether it is reliable.
It recommends that they back up fixed equipment with their own gear wherever possible.
To learn more about Wiltonfest or to book master class tickets, go to https://wiltonfest.uk/
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here