Climber Lynn Hill in action. Photo: Lynn Hill Collection

A top international climber will be the star attraction at the Women’s Climbing Symposium in Bristol later this year.

Lynn Hill, described by organisers as a living legend, will headline the gathering in November.

The Detroit-born climber has competed all over the world, and her big wall skills have also taken her to first ascents in Kyrgyzstan and Madagascar. Currently living in Boulder, Colorado, she balances her time between climbing, running, skiing, travels and raising her son Owen.

In 1994 she posted the first free ascent, man or woman, of The Nose on El Capitan in Yosemite.

Ms Hill said: “I’m really happy to join the Women’s Climbing Symposium, bringing women of all ages and ability level together.

“As more women are introduced to climbing, the world of climbing becomes a more healthy, happy and balanced community. I look forward to joining you this year.”

WCS founder and co-director, and two-time International Federation of Sport Climbing world cup bouldering champion Shauna Coxsey said: “I’m delighted that Lynn is headlining this year’s Women’s Climbing Symposium. She is such a huge inspiration to me, and demonstrates not just what women but all climbers can achieve.”

The event will take place at Bloc in Bristol on 4 November.