Edinburgh International Climbing Arena: Ratho

Edinburgh International Climbing Arena at Ratho, usually shortened to EICA Ratho, is Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena.

The Edinburgh Leisure venue combines huge lead and top-rope walls with competition-standard speed climbing, Olympic-standard bouldering, two dedicated bouldering rooms, and training for complete beginners through to experienced climbers.

The arena is also a family leisure venue rather than a climbers-only facility. Inside you’ll find Clip n Climb, Scrambles soft play, a gym, fitness studio, Café Refresh, meeting rooms, and event spaces.

Its competition lead wall hosted the IFSC Climbing World Cup in 2022, while newer bouldering areas have added more Olympic-style problems and training space.

Climbing and Bouldering at EICA Ratho

Experienced climbers can use the lead, top-rope, speed, and bouldering facilities, but first-time visitors should check the registration rules before arriving. New climbers and boulderers are asked to complete the relevant registration form, and unsupervised climbing depends on competency requirements.

Beginners have several routes in. Edinburgh Leisure runs introductory climbing and bouldering sessions, while Clip n Climb uses auto-belay systems and themed challenges for children and adults who want a simpler first taste of climbing. Clip n Climb is suitable from age four, subject to the activity’s booking conditions.

• Main arena: lead climbing, top rope, auto belay, and internationally certified speed walls
• Bouldering: Olympic-standard arena walls plus two separate bouldering rooms
• Families: Clip n Climb and Scrambles soft play
• Fitness: gym and group fitness studio
• Facilities: café, accessible changing, disabled parking, lifts, ramps, and wheelchair access

Getting to EICA Ratho

EICA sits at South Platt Hill on the western edge of Ratho, next door to Lost Shore Surf Resort. There’s extensive on-site parking for customers, plus bike racks for anyone arriving via the Union Canal and National Cycle Route 754.

The new Service 67 bus links Edinburgh city centre directly with EICA Ratho, stopping at Haymarket, Hermiston Park & Ride, Ratho village, and Lost Shore along the way. It fixes a long-standing public transport gap for a venue that previously felt much easier to reach by car.

Good to Know Before You Climb

Opening times differ between the main building, climbing walls, gym, café, soft play, and Clip n Climb, so check the official venue page for the exact activity you want. Climbing competitions and route-setting work can also affect access to parts of the arena.

If it’s your first climbing visit, completing registration online before you travel can save time at reception. Equipment, coaching, session types, and admission prices vary, so booking the right activity matters more here than simply turning up and choosing once inside.