The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena – Accept The Challenge!
Climbing is steadily gaining in popularity all around the world as a sport that is both physically and mentally challenging. Dedicated climbing enthusiasts are always on the lookout for a challenge to test their skills. The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, situated about six miles west of Edinburgh, is geared up to challenge the most experienced climbers, while at the same time offering beginners the opportunity to discover the thrill of setting climbing goals and then reaching, or even exceeding, those goals.
The sheer magnitude of the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) is awe-inspiring. The arena is built around a 100-ft deep disused rock-walled quarry. Half of the quarry is under cover with a wall dividing the unroofed area from the roofed area. In addition to the natural rock-face, gigantic artificial climbing walls and boulders have been installed. The arena boasts the only covered natural rock climbing area in the world and attracts climbers from all over the world to compete in events.
Climbing is a great way to get a body workout, while at the same time challenging your mind. Beginners, as well as intermediate climbers who are reaching for the next level, are assured of assistance from experienced instructors. The one-hour “taster” program offers would-be climbers the opportunity to decide if this exciting sport is right for them, while the three-hour start up program covers a host of climbing techniques as well as all essential safety procedures to ensure that the climbing experience is both enjoyable and safe. Newly discovered skills can be tested out in the bouldering cavern as part of the program.
The numerous climbing walls at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena are graded as to difficulty, and as more experienced climbers agree, conquering your first wall is all the incentive you will need to tackle the next challenge. The Competition Wall provides a world-class climbing challenge and has been used for World Cup and British Championship Finals. The bouldering cavern offers competent climbers the challenge of climbing some technically challenging routes without the use of ropes and harnesses.
A popular feature of the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena is the Aerial Assault course, which consists of a zip wire, logs, ropes, nets and more, all suspended at about a hundred feet above the arena floor. The ascent to the start of the Aerial Assault course is an adventure in itself as participants climb the spiral staircase right to the edge of the arena. From there a heart-stopping zip slide leads to a set of obstacles which are not for the faint-hearted.
Scotland is a ruggedly beautiful country with plenty for visitors to see and do. If you have a taste for adventure, be sure to visit the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena when you are exploring Scotland.
