The UK's biggest youth climbing festival!
Discover more about this fast-growing sport, which heads to the Olympics for the first time in 2020. We've got everything from come-and-try activities for complete beginners, to performance coaching sessions for improving climbers, and, workshops for adults who want to support young climbers. Whatever your experience and interests, there is sure to be something for you, with many activities FREE or low cost.
When and where is it?
Saturday 17 June 2017, 10am to 5pm @
Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA)
Get the date in your diary now!
What's on?
Our awesome event programme has been pulled together with the help of some great climbers and top climbing experts from Scotland and beyond. Pick and choose your favourite sessions from the list below...
Some activities are drop-in, while others require booking in advance or on the day, some are free and others have an event fee. You can book or pay for any activities via our
online members and events portal (you don't need to be a member to come along or book an event). Just sign in and head to the events tab for the full list of festival activities.
Check out the festival map
> Click here to download a map of what activities are taking place where and which need booking.
Check out the Mini Film Festival Programme
>Click Here to download the Mini Film Festival Programme.
Have a go!
Never climbed before? The following activities are perfect for those who are new to climbing or want to try a new discipline for the first time.Paraclimbing
We are passionate about making climbing an inclusive sport. We want everyone to have the chance to experience the thrills, fun and confidence it offers. EICA instructors assisted by volunteers and experience paraclimbers from around the UK, will be running free come-and-try sessions for people with a wide range of additional support needs all day long.
Advance booking is necessary, please let us know the nature of your disability when booking.
> Free, 30 min sessions, book now
Get into paraclimbing talk
As a paraclimber and ambassador for LimbPower, helping amputees make the most of opportunities in sport and the arts, Anoushé Husain has a fascinating and inspiring story to tell about her life, how she got involved in climbing and what it all means to her.
Kevin Shields - Talk
Kevin Shields is a Scottish based all-round climber, well known for his solo climbing over the past decade with routes up to E7 and M10+, all done with one hand and epilepsy. Kev continues to push his grades in all aspects of his climbing and now, being based back in Fort William he has the perfect playground right on his doorstep. Photo from
FinalCrux Films.
Come and hear his amazing story!
Top-roping
Reach new heights! Complete beginners can have a go at climbing to the top of EICA's lofty walls secured by a rope and harness and with the support of an experienced belayer. Instructors will be on hand to show you the basics and get you started.
> Free, drop-in, all dayBeginner's bouldering
Bouldering is rope-free climbing on low level features with a cushioned mat to soften any falls if gravity wins. It is a perfect way to start climbing for those with no previous experience. Leading climbing coach and just incredible climber Suzan Dudink will help you get to grips with the techniques, try some simple bouldering problems and explain how to get more involved.
> £20, 60 min sessions, 10.30am and 1.30pm, book now
Speed climbing
Who can get to the top first? Can you beat your own time? Throughout the day there will be the chance to drop by EICA's epic speed wall and have a go at speed climbing (or just watch in awe!). Challenge your friends to a race or see what time you can set on the UK's only international-level speed climbing wall.
> Free, drop-in, all daySlacklining
This great wee activity is similar to tight-rope walking, just with a wider and slacker webbed line. It is brilliant for testing movement control and improving your balance - essential skills for climbing. Experienced EICA coaches and instructors will offer top tips for honing your technique and reaching the far end.
> Free, drop-in, all dayAbseiling
Take the plunge! Have you got the nerve to abseil down 25 metres of vertical drop from the highest point in the EICA atrium? Step backwards, control your speed and work your way down five levels, pausing to enjoy the view, with a hefty dose of adrenalin. Instructors will be on hand to clip you in supervise and give advice.
> Free, 30 min sessions, all day, book now
Outdoor assault course
Check out a fantastic array of outdoor obstacles and challenges in this fun obstacle course set up by our friends at
Tartan Warrior. Making use of natural obstacles in Ratho Quarry, it promises a great workout for body and mind, suitable for all ages and abilities. Don't miss the chance to test the fitness of your family and pals!
> £5 per person, drop-in, all dayMoving on up
These talks and workshops are ideal for more experienced climbers looking to develop their skills and techniques.
Bouldering masterclass
Leading climbing coach, route-setter and just incredible climber Suzan Dudink is offering 60 min bouldering coaching sessions for more experienced young climbers. With over 15 years' experience in elite and competition climbing, her insights and advice are a must for any aspiring boulderer.
> £30, 60 min sessions, 12pm and 3pm, book now
Strength + conditioning workshop
Ex-GB Youth Boulder Team Captain and international competitor Rachel Carr will introduce you to exercises you can do at home or at a gym, that can improve your strength, stamina, movement and control. Understanding how your body works and following some essential advice will make a huge difference to your climbing technique in the long run. Perfect for those looking to push the grade!
> £5, 30 min sessions, from 1.30 to 4.30pm, book now
Movement workshop
Keen to improve your movement in climbing? Delivered by our friends from Access Parkour, this workshop looks to do just that! Full of top tips, drills and exercises to help you move better and improve your climbing.
> £5, 30 min sessions, on the hour all day, book now
Yoga for climbers
Want to strengthen your finger grip, increase your chest-and-shoulder flexibility, or improve your agility? Top climber and yoga expert, Vicky Mayes, is offering an awesome introduction to yoga moves that will help revolutionise your climbing abilities.
> £5, 30 min sessions, from 1.30 to 4.30pm, book now
Fun team climbing competition
This is not all about who climbs the hardest... This climbing comp with a difference will have a range of wild and wacky climbing-related challenges that your team can drop in and out of during the day. Give it a go and most importantly, have fun!
> £3 per person, 10.30am - 2.30pm, book now
Mini Film Fest
Great wee films from top climbing filmmakers
We will be showcasing a range of films from
Final Crux Films and
Dark Sky Media throughout the day. Take a break and discover some very cool characters, jaw-dropping climbing adventures and places you will want to visit, from the comfort of your seat.
> Free, drop-in, all daySupport others
Lead climbing, belaying + competition judging
We need you! Our events rely on volunteers stepping forward and supporting what we do. Our Competition Coordinators (CCOs) will provide training and advice to those interested in becoming a youth climbing competition judge or belayer. With years of experience that they are happy to share, our CCOs love nothing more than getting new volunteers signed up to help out at our events.
> Free, drop-in, 10.30 - 11.30amDeveloping your club
ClimbScotland's regional development team share their knowledge and ideas with top tips for helping develop and run youth-focused climbing clubs. Whether you are just starting out, or a long-established outfit, this is a great opportunity for parents, volunteers and coaches to get together, network and learn from one another's experiences.
> Free, drop-in, 12.30 - 1.30pmGet the most out of your traverse wall
Traverse walls are becoming a popular feature in schools, play parks and activity centres throughout Scotland. Primary school teacher and PE Lead Officer, Lorna Reid, will be running a session on how to make the best use of your traverse wall and show that it can offer more than just climbing sideways.
> Free, drop-in, 2.30 - 3.30pmThank you!
ClimbScotland Festival 2017 is made possible thanks to our main Sponsor 'Geckotech Solutions'. Here is what they had to say about supporting the festival: "Geckotech are extremely proud to be a partner sponsor of the Discover Climbing Festival at the EICA. Climbing has been my love, my life and my livelihood for over 20 years. It’s fantastic to help support and inspire the next generation of rising rock stars"
Our other key sponsors are:
We are grateful for the support of EICA: Ratho for hosting the festival and offering the help of their instructors: