North west Highlands to host UK's first climbing festival
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THE UK’s first dedicated climbing festival is to take place in the north west Highlands.
Organised by the North West Highlands Geopark, the festival will be based at Lochinver from September 18 to 20.
The idea for a climbing festival came about after the sell-out success of a series of "come and try climbing" events in 2014 which left everyone wanting more.
The Geopark encompasses an area from the Summer Isles in Wester Ross to Loch Eriboll on the north coast of Sutherland and provides an excellent range of accessible crags suitable for climbing.
The programme will include outdoor workshops on the sea-cliffs of sandstone at Reiff, near Achiltibuie, and gneiss at Sheigra – both world famous amongst climbers.
Organisers say the event has been created for climbers, by climbers.
Geo-ranger and business manager Pete Harrison said: "We decided to test how interested people were through a crowdfunding initiative back in March 2015. It was a really successful campaign with generous donations from climbers and local businesses keen to see the area promoted."
It is hoped that the festival will raise the profile of the area and its geological and cultural heritage.
Any profits from the event will be invested in Geopark projects which include developing a community climbing wall in Lochinver.
Geopark officer Laura Hamlet said: "This project has had local backing for quite some time. Climbing is a really good way to get fit by doing something really interesting and practical.
"A climbing wall in Lochinver will give everyone, old and young the opportunity to engage with the sport and families on holiday will have a fun indoor option for wet days.
"Not only that but the prospect of a decent wet weather back-up may provide the encouragement climbers need to visit the area all year round." The North West Highlands Geopark Limited is a social enterprise whose purpose is to promote geotourism, conservation and interpretation of the geological heritage of the north west Highlands.
It is a member of the European Geoparks Network and the Global Geoparks Network which is recognised by UNESCO.
• For programme, tickets and further information visit: www.nwhgeopark.com.
