Edinburgh International Climbing Arena: Ratho

“Where do I even begin! This place is insane! Wonderful community and instructors; high quality, challenging and diverse facilities from gyms, to climbing walls and bouldering rooms; clean and well-maintained rentable equipment (shoes, helmets, harnesses etc); and great places to sit and relax after a climbing session. I did the introduction to climbing 2 hour course with Ian and I would definitely recommend it for anyone looking to make climbing a new sport. Great explanation on the equipment and safety regulations as well as climbing advice too! A great amount of time to practice too! Also shout out to Alan, with his monster hat (Simon). Provided really sound technical advice. Such a great facility I attended 3 days in a row!”

“Amazing place. If you are any kind of climber this is worth the effort to get to. It is tricky to get there and with the Scottish weather it was a challenge to walk the last mile in sideways rain down a canal. But I imagine on a more clement day a more pleasant walk. Though I would imagine with plenty of midges. Once you get there it is an easy in. Pleasant helpful staff l. A nice coffee bar, changing rooms and showers. You need a pound for the lockers though. There are 3 bouldering areas and the main walls all of which have a good range of climbs on them. Some leading walls and auto belays. I could have spent a lot longer here had I more than my boot. Would recommend and definitely visit again. Though possibly hire a car as public transport from the middle of Edinburgh is a mission.”

“Fantastic facility. My 6 year old loved the clip and climb. Don't expect to get much climbing done if you're guiding them!”