Bolton: Wiltonfest took climbers to new heights at weekend

About 600 people attended Wiltonfest on Saturday (August 31), where they could scale the Wiltons, four former quarries near Bolton’s Scout and Belmont Road, or just enjoy guided walks, yoga and master classes.

Robin Mueller, co-organiser of Wiltonfest, said it was a “big success”.

He said: “The sun was out, there was a real festival atmosphere and everyone seemed to be having a good time.

“We had people from young kids to those in their 80s, a real range from all walks of life.

“Some were seasoned climbers there to embrace the community and catch up with old friends.”

And the festival introduced many complete beginners to the sport.  

British Mountaineering Council stall at Wiltonfest (Image: Elliot Ward)

“About 60 people who never tried climbing before had their first go on outdoor rock.

“From the ones I talked to, they thought it was great fun and wanted to do it again.”

Many had only climbed indoors.

Robin said: “I did a tour coaching people on bouldering and showing them what was available in quarries. Some had only climbed on an outdoor rock face once or twice.  

“I think they were quite inspired to go out again.”

(Image: Stuart Holmes)

The festival has been a meeting point for Lancashire’s climbing community.

And had plenty of fun for experienced climbers who grow their skills in master classes and enjoy talks by well known Steve McClure.

Robin said: “Many who attended the classes said they’d learnt a lot of useful things.”

The festival had raised £1,500 for cancer charities from The Christie Charity to Climbers Against Cancer.

It was in memory of climber and former Wiltonfest organiser Tim Greenhalgh who died this year after suffering with cancer.

Robin said: “We sold a lot of Tim’s climbing gear to benefit charities.

“It was nice that his things were going back into the climbing community.

“It keeps his memory alive, other climbers being able to use it.”

Climbers doing yoga at Wiltonfest (Image: Elliot Ward)

The community had banded together to put on festival after Tim was gone.

Robin said: “This is the first time we’ve organised this as a collective, previously Tim sorted for the day.”

And many gave their time and money to make sure the day was a success.

Climber Rick Ginns said: “The people that set up the top ropes for first time climbers did it for free.

“It was great because they were able to introduce so many people to the sport.

“They spent all day there.

“It was a real group effort of everyone pulling together in memory of Tim who has organised the festival for the last 10 years.”