Reception was warm, friendly, efficient and informative. The lobby is huge - and it was filled with different kinds of sofas & chairs. The cafe makes a great decaf soy latte - and the views of the climbing walls are fantastic from the cafe. The lockerrooms are pretty nice - clean and lots of space (no bumping into people as you change or access a locker). The coin-return system used by the Edinburgh Royal Commonwealth recreation system is great - just leaves you with a key to keep track of though (at the Royal Commonwealth pool - the key is on a bracelet). The climbing gym itself is huge - I wasn't prepared for this from the pictures - there's no way to do it justice. The 25 m wall just goes on and on! There are walls that are at a slope (like slab climbing) and corner problems with shelves for mantling and problems you have to jump onto - which we don't really have at my local climbing gym chain (Touchstone). The materials used for the walls and the jugs/pieces are much more abrasive than what we have at my local gyms (though ours could just be worn). Everything is color coded as well - you have a climb with all the same color pieces -- it's much simpler that way, though at night - the kind of lights they turn on make all the red-colors blend together (ie, is that purple or red? I can't tell now that the lights are on!). The ropes they use are different, too - esp on the 25m top rope routes - much stiffer (for obvious reasons) and overall, the ropes all seemed to be heavier and stiffer. If you're used to having to "prove" you know how to belay - EICA just has you sign a waiver that says "I'm a grown up and I know what I'm doing and won't sue you if I'm an idiot" - no belay test, no belay card - have at it, kiddies! On this visit, I didn't get to try any of the outdoor climbing - but I'll work on my lead climbing classes and certifications this winter so I can travel and climb outdoors more next year. I hope to visit England again - and want to see more climbing gyms - I've heard there are some in old churches (ie, crazy high walls and indoors). read more

Edinburgh International Climbing Arena - Climbing Near Me - Newbridge, EDH

See all

I went there recently for a meeting not a climbing experience, but what I could see was amazing. I will definitely be back to conquer the vast amounts of climbing possibilities and challenge my fear of heights! Its a place for adults and children. Lots of space inside and outside for parking. There is a cafeteria where you can eat, converse and indulge. I am sure they are offer memberships, so why not give it a try. Just one thing - you might need a car to get there. Not sure about the public transport as its a bit outside of Edinburgh , near Ratho Station. read more

Edinburgh International Climbing Arena - Climbing Near Me - Newbridge, EDH

Haven't been here since my pre-travelling days, but really need to get back into it. Pre-travels I got quite into climbing and the EICA after a work day-out to the aerial assault course: a flying fox-type chair lifts you from the launch pad to the assault course, wherein you proceed to climb over, around and hang from a number of rock formations, ropes and ladders suspended from the ceiling... a good 100ft above the arena floor. Our group became so keen after that experience, we immediately signed up for a climbing start up course for £30 (usually £45... we knew a guy who knew a guy), which is a 3 hour course that teaches you everything you need to get going and stay safe, and also allows you an hour free climbing time as well. Great experience. After that we got a little hooked, bought a load of our own gear and started going regularly. I will say this isn't a cheap hobby, but can become pretty addictive. The EICA have their own shop and lots of helpful instructors to advise and assist. Prices at the centre are okay, hovering around the £10 mark. And the aerial assault course is definite recommendation even if you have no interest in climbing (cost: £10.50). The arena itself has a plethora of different types of wall to scale, ranging from jutting, craggy formations to 100ft scale walls. All are awesome fun and well worth a look. This could become a recurring hobby once my car situation is sorted out. read more

See all

Let's start off by simply saying this is the biggest indoor climbing arena in the world. Its on our doorstep, had you not heard about it? Neither had I. I learned of it the other day when I went on a group bonding exercise (not with work with a Beltane group anyway thats another story). We went to do the aerial assault course. This meant we did an assault course up in the air, obviously, but this being the biggest arena of its kind in the world we're talking properly high up. We were of course harnessed and roped to a rail but it was still fairly scary. What it meant though was there was a great view or not so great if you have vertigo or acrophobia (being in Beltane we didn't have too much acrophobia as the festival involves both acro and an acropolis). The place is just gigantic and filled with, seemingly, little people (they were very far down). It felt very science fiction, this huge enclosed area. Many many different climbing walls, some for kids some for crazy people who want to scale hundreds of sheer feet of wall. Its one simple bus ride away, catch the 12 or X48 and then walk along the canal past some lovely barges, keep going and then you'll see a sign for the arena. A great day out if you like climbing or heights or want to overcome vertigo or like futuristic arenas. read more

If you've never been before, you'll get the biggest surprise you've ever had when you drive up and walk into the EICA at Ratho. From the outside you can't see anything at all, but when you walk inside, and over to the observation window, the quarry opens up in front of you with a stunning view of the largest indoor climbing arena in the world! I've climbed here numerous times over the past few years, and have enjoyed each and every visit! There are 3 main climbing walls with grades ranging from 2 to 8b and you can either top rope or lead climb. The routes are interesting, varied and routinely changed to keep you on your toes and give you a great workout. There is a bouldering wall in the middle of the arena, and a separate bouldering room indoors. The staff are enthusiastic, friendly and more than happy to give you advice, correct your technique and keep you safe. Looking up above the main arena, there is a fantastic Aerial Assault course which I've yet to try...but looks so much fun! (you can pretend to be Spiderman on the zip slide!) The variety of other activities on offer from a gym, spa, childrens soft play area, cafe, Tiso store and conference facilities make this a great place to come and spend the day and there is pretty much something for everyone! As the centre is run by Edinburgh Leisure, you can get a discount with your Edinburgh Leisure card, and there are many courses on offer to get you up and climbing! Oh...and you can hire all the equipment too! My one piece of advice would be to wrap up with lots of layers. The arena is so large there is no heating and, as the winter creeps in, it can get quite chilly when you're not climbing (or even sometimes when you are!). It's better to have layers you can peel off, or add to! Some of the braver men will even climb topless : ) I love climbing here, and the EICA is definitely worth a visit...even if it's just to grab a coffee, relax and watch all the climbing activity from that fabulous observation window! read more

Fffffrrrreeeezing in winter, I'll accept, but I still like Ratho. A lot. Giant walls for climbing, shopping, bouldering, gym and massage, all in one space. I like it. Even more so since we signed up for the combined climbing and fitness card - so we can climb as much as we want, and also used the jaw droppingly impressive gym (Judo team use the same gym, so it is pretty impressive). Even better, as part of Edinburgh Leisure, we can also use other gyms/pools (including the Commonwealth... at an additional cost)/golf courses in the area for free. Given the 'lets go to the gym' feeling hits at random, it also means we can use the gyms closest to work, or home, without having to always pack in the distance. I'll be toning up in no time! Well, ok... at least it's the thought that counts... read more

I'd pretty much agree with all the reviews below me here. Great facility, very cold at times, pricey to go to, bloody our of the way, but always a great visit. There are various other things at the centre which aren't climbing, such as the ceramics childrens area, and the gym. I've not been to any of them but given how busy the car park can be whilst the arena is quiet means they must be pretty decent! read more

This is so nearly 5 star that I need to explain the missing star first. YOU NEED A CAR TO GET HERE!! This is run by Edinburgh Leisure so 'belongs' to the city. You would think they would put it on the bus route!! There is a 'nearish' station at Ratho - so why not a little shuttle bus? When I googled my way to get here (I don't drive) I discovered it would take nearly 2 hours!! And, the bus would dump me off somewhere in Ratho and I would need to walk the final 15 to 20 minutes. I don't mind walking but in this case it adds a lot of time to the whole journey. So..... when I was invited (through my blog) by Edinburgh Leisure to check out the re-opening of the Aerial Assault course I luckily had to 'rope-in' an accomplice with a car. Thanks Emma! Well, now I am here and WOW! This place is AMAZING! I was told the Aerial Assault course was 100ft high - my brain couldn't fathom that. Was it a really tall building? Nope, the arena is built into and around a natural gorge! And it certainly was 'gorge-ous'. (ouch - more puns!). Looking at the full arena from the cafe brought me straight back to reality. This place is HUGE! And that's when I spotted it. The orange sign that looked quite small since it was SO HIGH UP! The dangling logs of the Aerial Assault course were only just visible. To reach the course we need to go to the 5th floor and find the special staircase. As we reached the top of the spiral staircase we found ourselves in the roof of the facility - higher than all the climbing walls! You get a great view from here! We were greeted by staff who locked away our belongings, got us harnessed and helmeted and checked our shoes - normal trainers are OK but must be tied really tight so as not to fall off and knock someone out down below. So, not too sure of my choice of footwear, and a little nervous about the height - I asked a few questions: (Q)'What if I start off and don't like it. Can I turn back? (A)'Actually most people find the jump off at the start is the hardest so once you do that, the rest should be fine' (Q) The 'JUMP'??? The Answer...... As we were standing on the platform, I did notice we were quite a ways from the ropes, ladders and logs dangling from the steel structures just below the roof. To one side there was a very long gangway that eventually led to the logs. I assumed we walked along that to get to the start. I WAS WRONG! Once harnessed up, we would be clipped to ropes hanging from pulleys along a LONG zip track that traversed the abyss over the climbing arena and would dump us at the start of the dangling logs. So, there I was. Helmet on, harness on, peering over the edge, waiting my turn. My heart rate was higher than it's ever gotten in even the hardest Spin class. Even seeing the two young girls ahead of us confidently taking to the sky wasn't enough to shame me into going. This is where I said 'hello' to my fear and 'Cheerio' to Emma. 'You Zip and I'll take pics'. The perfect solution. Emma took her 'leap of faith' and was away towards the start. Another staff member was waiting at the start of the assault course to give her some last minute tips. Then she was off! Emma scampered gracefully from log to log, rope to rope, challenge to challenge; always feeling secure in the harness. At the end, Emma was pump with adrenaline and ready to do it all again! Emma's advice: Wear fingerless sport gloves, as the ropes can be a bit rough, thick trousers and long sleeves as the harness is tight and 'digs in' and it gets a bit chilly up in the clouds! Don't worry if you're not super fit. You can use the harness for support and pull yourself across using the pulleys above. So, you'll never really get stuck out on the course, or if you do feel like you can't progress, there is always one member of staff out on the course that can get you moving again. So, unlike me, Embrace The Fear and give it a try! (or go to the café and have some cake) This is an Edinburgh Leisure facility so there is also a gym with lots of fitness classes, areas for kiddie parties and a shop for all your mountaineering gear and gadgets. There are changing rooms, showers and a small, basic spa area (a hot tub and sauna). A large cafe area has huge windows giving a great view to the climbing (and bouldering) and 100ft high Aerial Assault course.This place is state of the art! It is the largest climbing arena in Europe and we are so lucky to have it here in Edinburgh. People reading from other cities: be jealous, very jealous. read more

See all

Was a private venture initially but after failing has eventually been taken over by Edinburgh Leisure. The largest indoor climbing arena in the world I believe. It is a bit off the beaten track but easily accessible by car. Not sure if there is a bus service now! There are a few steps at the entrance but disabled and buggy access has been provided. There is also a lift inside the building. There is the climbing arena which is built within a quarry. A bouldering room and kids climbing areas. There is also a spa, a treatment room for sports massage etc, a well equipped gym and the aerail assault, as well as a cafe and shop. It looks like there are outdoor activities too. I wasn't brave enough to try out the aerial assault but my other half did and was suitably scared out of his wits! Not for the chicken hearted but the kids seem to love it! It takes about 20mins to go round and begins with a step out into nothingness! You are of course fully harnessed and safety is premium! Best viewed from the platform just outside the arena or the cafe on level 3. After a tasty bowl of soup in the cafe we went for the climbing taster session which was led by 1 instructor (Ian) to the 2 of us! He was very informative & taught us how to don the shoes harness and safety hat ( all provided as part of the session) we were then taken to the arena and over to one of the walls where we were roped up and had a chance to climb various different routes up the walls! Towards the end we were instructed on the art of bouldering & taken over to have a try of that! I have a fear of heights but felt that I was safe at all times and had a most enjoyable experience! read more

This is the largest indoor climbing arena in the world, and looks awesome. It also has the highest, longest aerial assault course in the world, part of which has you swinging across the roof of the arena what looks like hundreds of feet above the ground! There seems to be everything for the climbing enthusiast here. Climbing walls of varying degrees of difficulty to suit beginners and experienced climbers alike. A bouldering arena for the more adventurous. We went to a children's birthday party here and the kids had a ball, climbing in the arena then food and a game of soft football in one of the play spaces. The centre also has conference facilities and a children's soft play area which is good for wee ones too. Book in advance, the climbing facilities are usually pretty busy, though the arena's so big it never feels crowded. read more

We had a course here recently and while we didn't get to use the climbing facilities - we did get to look down on them from above and see what was going on. The place is HUGE! From where we were the boulders in the middle didn't look so big until I noticed the people next to them and realised just how high up we were. I am not a climber but this place is enough to convince you to give it a go. The arial assault course looks great great fun - I so want to go back and try. The facilities for meetings and conferences is really good too. Food was good and the rooms were nice. I believe it was quite reasonably priced and make difference from the usual Edinburgh hotels we use. read more

The cappuccino I was served a couple of weeks ago was first class, but I've just had one where the milk must've been boiled... three times previously. It was absolutely awful. That said, the views of the arena, and the rolo slices are out of this world! read more

If you like climbing, or being in cold buildings EICA Ratho for you. I really enjoyed my visit earlier this year. It is the most amazing venue for indoor climbing I have been in, but its also the only one where it has been too cold to wear shorts. The climbs are long here due to the high sides of the quary that it is build in and there is a great bouldering section. Soon there will be a new wall with variable inclines. The aerial assault course is also worth a try, but is absolutley terrifying. It has been up a few years now, and you can see the odd kink in the slide rail appearing. Would get 5 stars if I could get there by bus. read more

Ratho International Climbing Arena what a fantastic place, I went with a fear of heights and now I feel great. I've been five times now and everytime I come back feeling exhilarated. Everyone must visit , it's great for everyone including kids. I can remember when my Mum would shout at me for climbing trees as it was not safe, if only I had a place like this to go to when I was a lad as you feel so safe . C read more

EICA is a great place local to where i live and i use the facilities 2-4 weekly. climbing great although sometimes the staff politics reaches the club members very unprofessional great routes to climb and changed regularly although the grades are all over the place at times but the staff are generally happy to discuss their routes. the gym is well furnished and newly decorated and upgraded. if the gym could open at 6.30 that would be a perfect touch! lots of stuff for kids and families although that doesn't effect me. Thank you EICA and staff read more

In every way awesome - setting, people, music, atmosphere, challenges. Only wish that it wasn't such a drive away!

Very good climbing arena. One side has fixed ropes, some minor overhangs and graded climbs (I think the highest one is 40m, and it seems very high.) I've never used the other side but it looks very impressive, some major overhangs and a wide range of routes. There's a bouldering room, some more bouldering in the middle, and what looks like a wall with adjustable angle at one end. You can hire all the kit you need for a reasonable price (a few pounds per item), but need to register, or be with a registered climber, to climb. That means you need to be of reasonably proficient standard, e.g you'll need to know how to belay safely, fit a harness, tie the necessary knots etc. There's an aeriel assault course which looks great fun if you fancy the idea of swinging side-to-side on a short rope as you cross over a quarry at about 40m up. The arena is cold, but not nearly as cold as it would be outdoors. read more

The Worlds biggest Climbing gym or something and home of the UK olympic climbing team or something as well. This is a good climbing gym. Its quite big and stretches underground. When you come up on it you dont realize how massive it is. I really like the climbing shop here you can try the gear on, they have a really good selection, and you can test the harness you try on from a rope hanging from the ceiling which is cool. This is where I get my gear from. The bouldering area is also pretty good, but damn they got some hard routes there for bouldering which is fun and refreshing. On to the main walls, they are high up! When I was standing on the ground with my mate looking up and seeing a little tiny person climbing I couldnt believe how far up the walls go! Thats pretty cool as well if your a serious climber and get tired of shorter wall then go here . The routes are also pretty good and get changed from time to time. Theres an obstacle course near the ceiling that looks crazy intense,( of course your strapped in so if you fall your caught) but its pretty intimidating and I have not mustered up the courage yet to complete that. My only problem with this place is its FREEZING in the winter so plan on climbing in gear you would need to climb K2 or Everest because you will become a popsicle and we wont find you till the thaw. I also dont feel like family when I come here were I do so when I go to alien rock. But other then that this is a serious climbing gym and be prepared to get an awesome workout if you spend the day here. read more