All the information you need to plan your visit to Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (the EICA) at Ratho, on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
| Opening hours | Mon - Fri 9am - 9pm, Sat- Sun 9am - 5pm. |
|---|---|
| Address | Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, South Platt Hill, Newbridge, Ratho, EH28 8AA |
| Is there disabled access? | Yes. There is disabled access throughout the buildings and lifts to all floors. |
| Do you have to book? | Booking is recommended. To book, you need to make an Edinburgh Leisure online login. |
| Are masks compulsory? | Face masks are compulsory unless you’re partaking in an activity. So if you’re climbing a wall or using gym equipment, you can take your mask off. |
| Phone number | Ratho’s phone number is 0131 458 2100. However, their phones have unhelpfully been disconnected as a result of a high influx of calls. |
| Parking | The car park at the EICA is very large and completely free. |
| Prices | £12.20 for adults, £6.10 for juniors or disability card holders. |
| Is there shoe rental? | Yes |
| Can you hire equipment? | Yes, carabiners, belay devices and harnesses can all be hired. |
| Is there a cafe on-site? | Yes. There’s a cafe in main reception which looks out to the wall |
| Is there changing facilities? | Yes. The changing rooms reopened on the 9th of August 2021 and include lockers which can be activated with pound coins. |
| Is there a viewing area for parents and spectators? | Yes. The observation area is a few floors from the wall so parents sitting here will be viewing from afar. |
| Do you need to fill out a disclaimer form/ do an induction? | There is both a disclaimer form to fill out and a competency test for newly registered climbers. |
| Mat and gym facilities | There is a matted area with hangboards. There is a full gym within the facility, but it’s not included in the price of a single climb. |
Edinburgh International Climbing Arena is the largest indoor climbing centre in Europe! It’s a sight to behold for climbers of all abilities. With huge towering walls and routes that go up to 28 metres high, this is one not to be missed.
The Ratho Climbing centre has the most wide-ranging climbing options in Edinburgh. It has speed climbing, two dedicated bouldering areas, top roping and lead climbing.
The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena is currently owned by Edinburgh Leisure: a tax-payer funded organisation which runs swimming pools, gyms and golf courses throughout Edinburgh.
Ratho’s size means that it can facilitate social distancing effectively. Masks are required when not climbing a route or using a piece of equipment. Ratho is also deep cleared regularly.
Climbers should not come to the gym if they’ve developed:
Unfortunately, Edinburgh International Climbing Arena is desperately under-served by public transport. The 20 bus towards Ratho is the best bus to get there, but even this leaves from the outskirts of the city (Herminston Gait) and drops you off a mile walk from the climbing gym.
Use a bus route app such as Lothian Bus Route planner to get onto the 20 bus’s route via a different bus. Be sure to check timetables as these buses are only semi-regular.