…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
- on the lay-by on Scout Road
- at the BMC car park at the Wilton Arms pub on Belmont Road (A675)
- in the Horrocks Wood car park above Wilton quarries on Scout Rd
…One of the best and not to be missed!…
…one of the greatest events to come out of Lancashire, if not the country…
What's going on when at Wilton Fest?
Timetable
| 11:00 | Guided Walk |
| 11:00 | Masterclasses |
| 11:00 | Boot Demo |
| 13:00 | Bouldering Tours |
| 14:30 | Barbecue |
| 16:00 | Yoga |
| 17:00 | Mass CAC Photo shoot |
| 17:15 | Lancashire Guidebook Update |
| 18:00 | Raffle and Beer |
| 19:15 | Talks |
Events
Guided Walk
Dean Hamlin and Stewart Woodward give a guided walk of the local area
Masterclasses
Steve McClure, Esther Foster, and Matthew Shepherd will be delivering masterclasses across a range of skills, knowledge and ability. Note that masterclasses are a paid extra and must be booked in advance:
Boot Demo
Red Chili will be here with a vast array of rock shoes available for you to try and test throughout the whole day.
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. Two tours will operate with Robin Mueller and Liam Donovan focusing on 6b and above, whilst Tim Greenhalgh and Joe Richards will show from 4 to 6a+. Note Bouldering Tours are free but must be booked in advance as places are limited:
Barbecue
Burgers, hot dogs and drinks will be available to refuel before getting back on the rock. Vegetarian option available.
Yoga
Helen Oughton leads a yoga session.
Mass CAC Photo shoot
Join us for a mass photo to celebrate 10 years of the Wilton Fest and 10 years of Climbers Against Cancer! Wearing your CAC t-shirt, hoodie, beanie or whatever is not compulsory but would you really want to be the odd one out? Haven't got one, no worries as CAC will be attending with all their goodies.
Lancashire Guidebook Update
Matthew Thompson and Rick Ginns 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; awesome prizes will be available from Red Chili, Edelrid, Lyon Equipment, Petzl, Dirt Bags, Cockerel Books, Crusher Holds, Wild Venus, DMM, Climbers Against Cancer, and more! Bring cash! All proceeds go to Climbers Against Cancer. The raffle will be drawn at six, and beer will also be available at six.
Talks
There will be two talks in the evening; Andy McVittie will give a short talk on climbing rehabilitation, and Johnny Dawes will give a longer talk.
…Don't miss it!…
…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?
How much climbing experience do I need to go to Wilton Fest?
Should I bring my climbing gear to Wilton Fest?
Should I bring food to Wilton Fest?
…It’s a time to share, to heckle, to cheer on . . . . . and to remember.…
…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…
…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.
…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!
…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.
…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!
…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.
…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.
…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.
…It’s good to see all the quality and challenging climbs being ascended in our outstanding quarry on our doorstep…
…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?
…Constables? Bastard. Anyway, if you’ve not been its definitely worth a visit…
…thankfully the people I met there weren’t as bad as I expected…