Frequently asked questions
To help give you a better understanding of how our Climbing Wall operates, we have listed some frequently asked questions along with the answers.
- Video: Preview of the climbing wall
- Climbing wall and bouldering facilities at the Pleasance Sports Complex and Gym in Edinburgh
The wall is located at the Pleasance Sports Complex & Gym, 46 Pleasance, Edinburgh, EH8 9TJ.
To gain access, enter through the main entrance. The Climbing Wall is located at the back of the gym, past the squash courts and near the Sports Hall.
The Tower
- Top roping
- Lead climbing
- 8 metre walls with varying angles
- 25 lines
- Abseil Platform
The Rock
- Bouldering
- 4.2 metre walls with varying angles
The Bothy
- Climbing Wall Reception
The Tower
Between 75 – 100 routes
The Rock
Between 60 – 100 boulder problems
In the Tower?
3 – 7B
In the Rock?
V0 – V9
No. You can boulder in the Rock without having to complete a Beginners course
If you want to use the Tower roped wall, then you must know how to put on a harness, tie an appropriate climbing knot and belay safely. If you do not know how to do any of the above, then an 'Intro to Roped Climbing' course is required.
A short refresher can be requested for anyone who needs a quick reminder of skills. If staff deem this to be more involved than a quick refresher, then they will suggest a Beginners Course.
You can teach your friend as long as you hold the relevant instruction qualification and insurance. These documents must be produced to the Wall in advance of the session. For more information on these, contact the Climbing Wall Team.
If you do not hold the above, then you cannot teach your friend.
We have a Facebook Group that people will post on in order to find climbing partners, usually a day or so before they want to climb.
Yes, we do! We installed three in September 2023
Yes, so long as you are confident in lead climbing and belaying, and have your own lead rope.
We’d recommend wearing something you’d feel comfortable climbing in, usually clothes you may wear to the gym.
Please take off rings and jewellery before you climb.
To climb in the Rock, you need climbing shoes, and, if you like, some chalk.
To climb in the Tower, you need climbing shoes, a climbing harness, belay device and karabiner (between 2), and, if you like, some chalk.
Climbing shoes, harnesses, belay devices and karabiners are currently free.
Chalk can be purchased at the front desk if desired.
Anyone can purchase a Sport & Exercise climbing membership to use our climbing facilities. Sport & Exercise gym members, University of Edinburgh staff and students, or a guest of a member (each member can sign in up to one guest per day) can visit on a pay-as-you-go basis.
The minimum age for using the gym is 16 years old, and this filters into the Climbing Wall. This may mean that your child is not old enough to use our facilities.
An organised kids group booking can be arranged in advance though, and this can be for kids aged 8 years old and up. Please email climbing.wall@ed.ac.uk for price and more details.