Wilton Fest

What to expect at Wilton Fest?

Please note the 2025 timetable is not finalised.

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

• Rockover Climbing
• Boulder UK
• Wild Venus
• LelsShells
• Catherine Baines
• Summit Sports Massage
• Crag Swag
• Crusher Holds

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

Talks

TBC

Photos: Mike Hutton