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Scrambling and Navigation


Edinburgh International Climbing Arena Scrambling
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Edinburgh International Climbing Arena


Contact details:

South Platt Hill, Newbridge, Edinburgh, EH28 8AA

Tel: 0131 333 6333

Email: Edinburgh International Climbing Arena

Web: Edinburgh International Climbing Arena


The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, Ratho, is built around the stunning natural rock face of a disused quarry with 3 large walls, over 250 routes and somewhere around 15000 holds in the arena. Add to that a purpose built bouldering room and a further three boulders in the arena and you've got plenty of climb options.

Also in the centre there's abseiling available and our aerial assault course, which will test balance, nerve and your head for heights as it's suspended 100 feet above the arena floor!

Even though the EICA is the world's largest indoor climbing arena, not everything we do is based here. From start-up courses to indoor movement skills and fitness coaching, indoor lead climbing, outdoor climber courses, sea stacks and Skye ridge courses, we've got it covered.

We've also got navigation skills for the hills, winter skills for the Scottish mountains, and winter climbing (snow, ice and mixed) courses. We've got a team of instructors who are passionate, highly motivated climbers and mountaineers with over 125 years of climbing experience between them.

What we do best:

We provide training in all aspects of mountain leadership and safety, like navigation, rope work and scrambling. Our courses can take you to Skye's Cuillin ridge, and teach you the skills to do it safely.

Travel Directions


Click anywhere on the map to open a new window containing a more detailed Google Map.

Accessed easily from all directions in the car, the centre is fairly close to the Newbridge roundabout to the west of Edinburgh - for further information please click here.

Unfortunately there is no direct bus route to the centre from Edinburgh City Centre however the Lothian Buses X48 service stops in the village of Ratho, and it's just a short walk along the canal towpath to our centre.

Available packages


The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena: Ratho has an extensive list of packages available for climbing, navigation, scrambling and winter skills. For full details and to book visit the EICA website.

Other activities available


Indoor Climbing  Winter Mountaineering  Aerial Assault Course 

Useful info


Equipment provided?

Rock shoes, harnesses and helmets can all be hired. Bring your own ropes for top roping walls.

What do I need to wear?

For indoor climbing wear clothes that give you the flexibility to move comfortably and as the arena can be cool during winter months layering up is advisable.

What do I need to bring?

Change of clothes, towels.

When can I do it?

For more information please visit the EICA website.

Is there a pub nearby?

There are various pubs nearby with Ratho Inn being the closest.


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