Test your grip strength at these 3 best rock climbing gyms in Edinburgh!
When it comes to physical fitness, I think I’m pretty fit for someone my age and a parent of three kids. While I don’t do many extreme sports, I still find the time to try out fun activities that push me to break a sweat.
One of my favourites would have to be rock climbing because it’s fun, exhilarating, and very family-friendly. Luckily, I don’t have to drive too far away just to find a climbing gym because there are several in the city.
So, if you’re thinking about picking up the sport or just to spend a day burning some calories with more fun, here are the top gyms for rock climbing in Edinburgh!
Alien Rock Indoor Climbing
– Media from alienrock_bloc
Address: 8 Pier Pl, Newhaven
Contact Details: +44 131 552 7211
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Saturday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Adult: £13 per person (peak), £11 per person (off peak)
Child: £8 per person (peak), £7.50 per person (off peak)
Seniors or Persons with Disability: £8 per person (peak), £9.50 per person (off peak)
Boot hire: £3.50
If you told me that it’s possible to go rock climbing inside a vaulted church, I never would’ve believed you. But that was until I dropped by Alien Rock for a session and boy, did the climbing gym really change the sport for me.
The gym has a climbing wall constructed inside the old church and has been around since 1994. They offer top rope climbing, lead climbing (for pros), and even a warm up where you can test out your skills and get your body ready for the climb!
Tips:
- If you’re an experienced climber, there is no need for you to book ahead of time. Just swing by the reception to sign up for free. First-timers, however, will need to fill out a quick waiver before climbing. Once done, you’re allowed to bring along two beginners with you (but they can’t bypass the registration without you, the pro).
- Parents on belay duty don’t have to pay to access the wall. If you’re just there to keep your little climber safe and not climbing yourself, you can gear up with a harness for belaying free of charge!
Eden Rock Edinburgh
– Media from edinrockedinburgh
Address: Edgefield Road Industrial Estate, Loanhead
Contact Details: +44 131 285 6044
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Saturday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Adult: £12 per person (member), £14.50 (non member)
Child: £11 per person
Seniors or Persons with Disability: £11 per person
One-day membership: £2.50 per pass
Annual membership: £5
Boot hire: £3
Learning how to rock climb for the first time at Eden Rock Edinburgh was one of the best decisions my cousin and I made one summer. This gym offers a myriad of classes, catering to everyone from first-timers to seasoned climbers.
They mainly host lessons instead of letting anyone hit the walls, so that’s an added plus on safety if you’re really serious about learning the ropes (literally).
There is even a Kids’ Room and clubs for little climbers who want to take on the sport in a child-friendly space.
Tips:
- The gym carries top brands like Scarpa, La Sportiva, Tenaya, Boreal, and Unparallel. You can browse and try them on in-store, and the staff will help you get the right fit if you need climbing gear. You can also shop their merchandise online. Tune in to their social media pages for new gear drops and updates.
- There is a small cafe in the gym where you can catch a break and refuel your energy. It’s also a good place to swap with your spouse if you’re bringing your kids with you and you want to take turns taking a break.
The Climbing Hangar
– Media from tchedinburgh
Address: 4 E Telferton
Contact Details: +44 131 370 3100
Operating Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Wednesday, 6:30 am to 10:00 pm
Friday, 6:30 am to 9:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Adult: £15 per person, per day pass
Child: £13 per person, per day pass
Seniors or Persons with Disability: £13.50 per person, per day pass
Members: Free with membership
I heard about The Climbing Hangar when it first opened in Liverpool back in 2011. When they opened a branch here in Edinburgh, I didn’t hesitate to call up my friends to go and check it out.
The massive facility features walls for beginners and seasoned climbers, but the best part is the staff members. They’re all friendly and ready to help you get ready for your climb, whether or not you have experience.
It’s also a plus that they have training boards for beginners in case the actual climbing walls look a bit intimidating.
Tips:
- Your dogs are welcome in this gym! Just make sure they stay near the cafe or lobby area and keep a leash on them at all times. It’s better to have someone or a non-climbing companion along with you to keep watch.
- There are changing rooms, toilets, and even lockers available for use when you go climbing here. Just make sure to bring your own padlock for the lockers.
- If it’s your first time at this gym, a Day Pass includes a free 30-minute intro to help you get familiar with the space. Even experienced climbers might find it useful for a quick tour.