The first time we visited Clip ‘n Climb when it opened three years ago I knew we’d be back. Not just because mum and dad were impressed, but because out two girls absolutely insisted on it! If you’ve never been, or just not been for a while, then read on to see why you should soon.
Family-fun
There are so many things that impress us about the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena at Ratho. It’s not just that it is the largest oasis of its kind in Europe or that it offers climbers, from first timers to experts some serious thrills. It does do that, but the EICA has also managed the neat trick of keeping all of the family happy and if you have wee ones you will know exactly how hard that is to do.
For youngsters up to the age of 10 the revamped Scrambles is brilliant – check out our blog on this top notch venue where children can let off steam and adults can chill in the cafe. We recommend the homemade cakes! Now that our kids are that bit older they also love the Clip ‘n Climb, which anyone from children through to adults can enjoy.
Brilliantly Simple
The idea of Clip ‘n Climb is brilliantly simple. Our kids took to it straight away the first time around and did this time too. It has been designed in such a way that even if you’re only experience of climbing is walking up the stairs you can still enjoy a session here.
There are 15 climbing elements to Clip ‘n Climb. It looks like one of these adventure challenge games you see on TV, or the old ‘It’s a Knock Out’ if you’re of a slightly more mature age like us. It’s all brightly coloured stacks, climbing walls and weird and wonderful looking inventions that just beg to be tackled.
It’s great that there so much choice of what to take on depending on how brave you are feeling. We like too that you are always clipped on so it’s super safe. The challenges all have different names and it’s great watching the wee ones explore them all.
Freedom to Climb
You can start off on an easy self-belaying route. The Belaymate is a great system that I hadn’t seen anywhere else when we first visited. It’s a high spec connection device that allows individuals to clip themselves on (after a wee training session from an experienced member of staff of course) and then they are tackling climbing walls. It’s great not having to rely on a mate to help you out and our wee ones love the freedom it gives them. Our two girls couldn’t believe the first time that they just got to scoot up the walls without parents and instructors getting in the way.
Daring Challenges
The climbing walls are great fun, and there is real diversity among the climbing stations. Do you fancy taking on the Speed Climb in a race against the clock and your friends and family? What about stepping up on the mighty Stairway to Heaven, or lighting the board up playing Checkenplate? You can even set yourself the adrenaline pumping challenge of the spectacular Vertical Drop Slide. We love the appropriately named Leap ‘n Laugh, a senses defying ascent up some big thin tubes that gives wee ones a real sense of achievement if they can make it all the way to the top. The choice at the EICA is always gloriously yours.
Experience it Yourself
We could wax lyrical about Clip ‘n Climb all day, but you really need to book a session to experience it for yourself. Your kids will thank you and will no doubt insist on a repeat visit even before you’ve left the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena. We’ll leave the last words to our girls on what they reckoned about their return visit:
Emma, aged 8: “I like climbing up all the cheeses on the walls that you stick your hands and feet on. I like that I get to do it on my own and it doesn’t matter if I fall off as the rope catches me. Next time I want to bring all my friends for my birthday!”
Tara, aged 11: “I enjoyed Clip ‘n Climb even more this time as I didn’t have any worries about going on as I’d been on before. It’s really fun and is much easier than climbing outside. I like that you can go really, really high and not worry about falling off. I like racing my sister too as I always win!”
What you need to know
Booking ahead is the best option for securing a slot at Clip ‘n Climb ,and the great news is that extra slots have been made available of the school summer holidays.
For more information and to book click on www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/clipnclimb. Or if you have any questions call 0131 333 6333.
Prices are £10 for a junior (4-17 years old); £15.50 for an adult (18+); and £43 for a family of 4 (2 adults + 2 juniors).
The EICA also offers climbing, abseiling, a well stocked adventure gear shop, two great cafes and that wonderful soft play Scrambles.
*This post comes in association with Edinburgh Leisure
