…it’s like being in Yosemite valley, watching the climbers on the big walls, the waterfalls, it really is beautiful…

Watch a quick intro to Wilton Fest

…The Wilton fest is a grand way of bringing together an age of climbers from old stalwarts to young potential superstars.…

So where is Wilton Fest?

Wilton Fest is a free climbing festival held annually in the Wilton quarries.

Wilton quarries comprises four locations, numbered 1 through 4. Base camp for Wilton Fest is at Wilton 2.


If travelling by bus, take the 535 from Bolton town centre and alight at The Wilton Arms pub.

Parking is available in Wilton 2 and Wilton 4 (get there early!).


Overflow parking is available


An overhead view of the Wilton quarries showing parking locations.
Parking at Wilton Quarries

Get in touch!

…One of the best and not to be missed!…
Many climbers rock climbing outdoors
…one of the greatest events to come out of Lancashire, if not the country…

What's going on when at Wilton Fest?

Timetable

Please note whilst we will endeavour to keep to schedule, it may be subject to change on the day.
All dayStalls and Exhibits
All dayTop Ropes
10:00Morning Masterclasses
10:30Guided Walk (shorter)
12:00Yoga
13:00 - 15:00Bouldering Tours
14:00Afternoon Masterclasses
14:30 (TBC)Barbecue
14:30Guided Walk (longer)
15:00The Thing demo
17:15Lancashire Guidebook Update
18:00Raffle and Beer
19:15Talks

Events

Stalls and Exhibits

The BMC, Climbers Against Cancer (CAC), Cockerel Books, Crusher Holds, and Wild Venus Skin Care will all be present.

Top Ropes

Black Dog Outdoors will be supervising some top ropes, suitable for all abilities and ages to try climbing.

Morning Masterclasses

Masterclasses will be delivered masterclasses across a range of skills, knowledge and ability. This Wilton Fest join the British Mountaineering Council's (BMC) Trad Development sessions with Steve McClure and Ian Dunn and take yourself from a capable second to a confident lead climber!
Note that masterclasses are a paid extra and must be booked in advance.
Please check here for a list of required equipment.

Guided Walk (shorter)

Colin Liptrot of Moors to Mountains gives the first of two guided walks of the area.
Unfortunately the walk is fully booked - if you would like to be added to the reserve list please email Colin directly with your details.

Yoga

Helen Oughton of Vertical Yoga will lead a yoga session suitable for all levels, including complete beginners. A pre-climb session with lots of gentle movement to warm-up and mobilise for your climbing day. Improve your flexibility and balance, and reduce your injury risk! Mats available or bring your own. Reserve a mat and save time on the day by pre-registering.

Bouldering Tours

Tours of the local bouldering opportunities offered by the Wilton Quarries. This is a hands-on (and feet-on) exercise so bring your climbing shoes and pads. Joe Richards and Dave Mann will lead the beginner tour, and Robin Mueller and Liam Donovan will lead the advanced tour, targeted at Font grade 6B and up.

Afternoon Masterclasses

Masterclasses will be delivered masterclasses across a range of skills, knowledge and ability. This Wilton Fest join the British Mountaineering Council's (BMC) Trad Development sessions with Steve McClure and Ian Dunn and take yourself from a capable second to a confident lead climber!
Note that masterclasses are a paid extra and must be booked in advance.
Please check here for a list of required equipment.

Barbecue

Food will be available to refuel before getting back on the rock.

Guided Walk (longer)

Colin Liptrot of Moors to Mountains gives the second and longer of two guided walks of the area.
Unfortunately the walk is fully booked - if you would like to be added to the reserve list please email Colin directly with your details.

The Thing demo

Steve Chadwick demonstrates his sloper training device. Following a stroke, he used this to go from being paralysed to climbing 8b.

Lancashire Guidebook Update

Matthew Thompson will give an update on the new up and coming guidebook covering trad climbing across the county.

Raffle and Beer

Raffle tickets are on sale all day from the tea urn at basecamp. We have awesome prizes kindly donated by

The raffle will be drawn at six, and beer will also be available at six.

Talks

Steve McClure will give a talk about climbing; exact topic to be finalised!

…Don't miss it!…
A view of Wilton 1 quarry featuring rock climbers on the prow
…Wilton Fest is a celebration of one of Lancashire's finest venues with something to offer for everyone…

Questions asked of Wilton Fest

How much does it cost to go to Wilton Fest?

Wilton Fest is free; however the masterclasses have an additional charge and must be booked in advance. Please book here for all masterclasses. You may also want to bring cash on the day for raffle tickets, barbecue, charity donations, or to spend at the stalls. Some stalls will also accept cards. All the parking locations listed on this website are free of charge.

How much climbing experience do I need to go to Wilton Fest?

None at all! Wilton Fest is a great event for absolute beginners and masters of the sport alike.

Should I bring my climbing gear to Wilton Fest?

Yes! There will be plenty of time and opportunities to get on the rock, and plenty of folk with local knowledge to give you pointers.

Should I bring food to Wilton Fest?

Tea and coffee will be available, but it is recommended you bring water. Similarly the barbecue will be available from 14:30 but you may want to bring your own food, or pop down to the Wilton Arms where they have a great selection of food on the menu.
…It’s a time to share, to heckle, to cheer on . . . . . and to remember.…
The basecamp of Wilton Fest where tea and coffee are available all day
…Wilton Fest is fantastic for getting many people together to climb, boulder, train, socialise, watch lectures, eat and drink together.…

What people say about Wilton Fest

…...it’s like being in Yosemite valley, watching the climbers on the big walls, the waterfalls, it really is beautiful……

When Tim invited me to the Wilton Festival in 2017 I was highly uncertain if I should go, after all, Lancashire is right next to Yorkshire and everyone knows how tight and uncouth they are. But, thankfully the people I met there weren’t as bad as I expected, no scrooges, knife fights or riot police as you find at Appleby horse fair. My main memory of it was that there were lots of sound people having a good time, plenty of good climbs for experienced climbers and novices, BBQ, midges and good crack. I enjoyed climbing Adrenaline with Hank Pasquil and then being embarrassed and pissed off about falling off that E5 crack in the other quarry, Constables? Bastard. Anyway, if you’ve not been its definitely worth a visit, it’s like being in Yosemite valley, watching the climbers on the big walls, the waterfalls, it really is beautiful…

James Mchaffie

…The Wilton fest is a grand way of bringing together an age of climbers from old stalwarts to young potential superstars.…

The Wilton fest is a grand way of bringing together an age of climbers from old stalwarts to young potential superstars. It’s good to see all the quality and challenging climbs being ascended in our outstanding quarry on our doorstep. Come cut the mustard if you can.

Hank Pasquill

…One of the best and not to be missed!…

The Wilton Fest is back for the 10th anniversary! Some of the best climbing in the country. If you’ve not been you are in for a treat, with awesome lines on lovely sandstone. If you have been, you’ll know what treats await! The festival has been a success year on year; coaching, talks, stalls, a great crowd and super atmosphere. One of the best and not to be missed!

Steve McClure

…Quite possibly one of the greatest events to come out of Lancashire.…

A day out for the famous and not so famous. Quite possibly one of the greatest events to come out of Lancashire, if not the country.

Kurt Davies

…Don't miss it!…

The Wilton Fest is always a great event. Whether it rains or shines, it brings together both local climbers and those from further afield to enjoy some of the best trad routes around with a happy atmosphere and loads of activities to get involved with. The psyche is high along the spectrum from first timers learning the ropes through to experienced teams pushing themselves on harder routes. Then everyone can relax with a decent beer and BBQ, maybe win some kit, and be entertained in the evening. Don't miss it!

Naomi Buys

…Wilton Fest is a celebration of one of Lancashire's finest venues with something to offer for everyone…

The Wilton Quarries are very much a home away from home for me. I initially visited during my early foray into outdoor bouldering; prompted by the accessibility of the crag by public transport, and inspired by several videos from Robin Mueller and Joe Richards showcasing what the quarries had to offer. What I found was not only an excellent venue for trad and bouldering but also a community of likeminded climbers with a passion for these quarries. Wilton Fest is a celebration of one of Lancashire's finest venues with something to offer for everyone. It’s an excellent day out whether you’re here for trad or bouldering with lots to go at for all levels of ability.

Liam Donovan

…It’s a time to share, to heckle, to cheer on . . . . . and to remember.…

Held at the end of summer, Wilton Fest is a brilliant event that brings together the Lancs climbing community. Young and old, experienced and newbie, many enjoy the stellar climbing lines of all four quarries whilst others boulder, partake in yoga and socialise. It’s a time to share, to heckle, to cheer on . . . . . and to remember.

Kate Hawkins

…Wilton Fest is fantastic for getting many people together to climb, boulder, train, socialise, watch lectures, eat and drink together.…

I have many fond memories of climbing at Wilton over the years. Wilton Fest is fantastic for getting many people together to climb, boulder, train, socialise, watch lectures, eat and drink together. Overall a fantastic experience no matter what the weather and a weekend like no other event.

Mark Leach
…It’s good to see all the quality and challenging climbs being ascended in our outstanding quarry on our doorstep…
Yogis doing yoga at Wilton 2 quarry
…everyone can relax with a decent beer and BBQ, maybe win some kit, and be entertained in the evening…

Get in touch

Want to know more about Wilton Fest? Or have questions we haven't answered here?

Hit us up by email, or find us on Facebook.

…Constables? Bastard. Anyway, if you’ve not been its definitely worth a visit…
A beaming child with bilberries smeared across their face in Wilton 2 quarry
…thankfully the people I met there weren’t as bad as I expected…