Scottish Indoor & Outdoor Climbing
Climbing as an outdoors activity has been re-invented in the last couple of decades. Where once it was the preserve of a small, elite band of hardy and dedicated rock climbers, it is now an all-inclusive activity - and one of the most popular adventure sports in Scotland, if not Europe. And if you are looking for a climbing adventure that challenges you both physically and mentally and where the emphasis is firmly on fun and excitement, set against an amazing natural backdrop, then Scotland is sure to have what you are looking for.
With numerous crags and cliffs dotted throughout the country, five world-class indoor climbing facilities (and around 20 further facilities around Scotland) and all backed up by plenty of experienced and qualified guides and instructors, Europe's Adventure Capital is able to cater for everyone. Beginning with taster sessions you can progress quite quickly up the grades to where the big adventures really begin!
You'll find the key outdoor climbing areas in the Cairngorms, Glen Nevis, Glen Coe and on many of Scotland's islands, most notably the Isle of Skye. However if you're new to climbing but are keen to give it a go, then indoor climbing centres have been instrumental in providing beginners with their first foothold into this amazing world of exhilaration for some time now.
Scotland has some of the best indoor climbing facilities in the world and below are just a few highlights.
Situated in Scotland's premier mountain area, Lochaber, The Outdoor Capital of the UK, is The Ice Factor. Surrounded by various challenging mountains (which the Ice Factor guides also use for client climbs), this climbing centre brings adventure to the indoors with the UK's highest articulated freeform wall and the largest indoor ice climbing wall in the world. Whether you are after a half day 'Taste the Rock' session, full 'Crag Days' or weekend tuition this world class climbing facility will have you climbing in no time. The Ice Factor also features an aerial assault course for those with a head for heights, which features stunning views over to the Mamore Mountains and to the Aonach Eagach in Glen Coe.
Perhaps the 100 graded routes at Transition Extreme located near Aberdeen's popular beach area, can entice you to try indoor climbing in an open plan centre. With 620 square metres of roped climbing wall and 180 square metres of bouldering and training boards, Transition Extreme offers plenty of challenges to the competent climber yet stands as a good ground to take beginners to dizzy heights.
The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA), located at Ratho on the outskirts of Edinburgh, is the biggest indoor climbing centre in the world and offers climbing instruction with a huge range of courses based both in the arena and at various key climbing areas of Scotland. With climbing walls from 12 metres to 35 metres high, over 15,000 hand holds and routes from the simple to the technically complex, this centre has something for all levels and abilities, from beginner through to expert. At the EICA you can begin with a taster session, progress to overcome the three main walls and perhaps try some bouldering. If you are left wanting more, you can then try your hand at competitions for some healthy rivalry, with the help of those at EICA.
Another spectacular place to test yourself is Alien Rock. This centre was created as Scotland's first dedicated indoor climbing centre in 1994 and has since expanded to stand as two climbing facilities in the capital. Alien One has over 200 roped climbs, while Alien Two has over 150 low level climbing problems.
Located near Leith, Edinburgh, Alien One combines top-roping, leading and bouldering in one location with over 200 roped climbs. For beginningers, Alien One has 40 top-roping lines providing protection from above. For those looking for a further challenge this centre has 12 overhanging lead lines providing a greater challenge, roping as you go. Or why not go one step further and free climb at Alien One on the bouldering wall with vertical to 45 degree overhangs.
Alien Two, also located in Leith, is for those looking for something a bit different. This is a dedicated bouldering wall with 300 square metres of angled walls offering hundreds of problems for both novice and expert; with no requirements for previous experience or equipment this centre is open to everyone.
Lastly Extreme-Dream can offer you expert help with taster sessions, personal training and long term coaching training with their new climbing wall award. This innovative centrem located in Aviemore is run by a dedicated team which includes renowned climbing champ Scott Muir. New for 2008, Extreme-Dream offers a new qualification for those who wish to supervise indoor climbing sessions.
After becoming proficient indoors, then the next step is onto the crags of Scotland's stunning hills and mountains. This can seem daunting at first, but there are small, gradual steps to be taken - and lots of instructors and guides to help you take them.
The rewards, though, are substantial. Outdoor rock climbing combines the physicality of gymnastics with the mental challenge of pushing your limits on big steep rock faces and of course you can admire the fantastic views when you rest between pitches.
With the variety of rock types and landscapes, Scottish outdoor climbing is some of the best and most diverse anywhere, with classic routes of all grades on striking mountain architecture, superb roadside crags and sea cliffs and stacks around the coast. Many of the UK's top climbers have 'cut their teeth' on Scottish ascents before heading to more exotic destinations and challenges.
With such a wide range of opportunities and instructors at a world-class level - Scottish mountain sports should not to be missed on an adventure break. For further information visit our indoor climbing and rock climbing pages and arrange your mountain sports adventure today.
