Meadowbank Sports Centre, Edinburgh
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Opened: 1970
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In the 70's, Meadowbank was state of the art. Climbing greats such as Rab Anderson, Murray Hamilton and Dave Cuthbertson all trained here. Bricks were in! We're now in the millennium and bricks are definitely out - way out!
However, for school groups, children and adults who want to learn the basics of climbing, much enjoyment can still be had from this wall. It'll teach you climbing basics at the very least, but for the rest of us - those of us who have experienced resin panels and bolt on holds - we can never go back to climbing on bricks.
Call us snooty maybe - who knows, maybe one of these school kids will turn out to be the next Haston!
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Overall verdict:
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An old-fashioned brick wall that is a remnant of a by-gone era…and for that it deserves some respect. |
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By bus: A no 44, 4, 15 and 26 from City Centre all stop at Meadowbank Stadium
By train: To Waverley Station, the bus as above
By car: Simplest way is to go to the east end of Princes Street, then to top of Leith Walk. From here, follow road signs to A1. This takes you out along London Road. About 1½ miles along London Road you'll pass Meadowbank Sports Centre on your left.
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Address:
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Meadowbank Sports Centre, 139 London Road, Edinburgh, EH7 6AE.
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Tel:
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0131 661 5351
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Web:
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Wall Description:
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Lead/ top-rope walls
The walls, built from bricks are approximately 80 feet high and 40 feet long. Among its brick work are features such as, overhangs, fist cracks, corners, slabs and funnels. Holds consist of chipped or ejecting bricks which provide either crimps or jugs depending how much they jut out. Regular cracks have also been built in for hand and fist jamming. Routes are to be top-roped only (ropes in place) and no bouldering is permitted. Ledges (or shelves) can be used for practising belaying.
Easiest problem: None set
Hardest problem: None set
Classic of the crag: The thin layback cracks created where the skirting boards meet the concreet and bricks are worthwhile - the righ-hand crack and the left-hand crack
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Opening Hours:
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By arrangement only (call reception)
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Entry Fee:
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Adult £3.10 (with coach). Kids: free for block bookings |
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Entry Requirements:
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Climbers cannot enter solo but are permitted to climb in pairs provided they obtain an Authorised User card (available at reception). Bona-fide groups can book in advance provided they name a responsible coach who will take charge during the session. Parents must sign a Parental Consent Form prior to children being admitted into sessions. Children under the age of 8 are not permitted to climb.
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Equipment Hire:
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Safety equipment including ropes, helmets and harnesses are available
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Other facilities on offer:
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Fitness Studio, Pulse Centre, Squash & badminton courts, running track, gym, Soft Play Area (for kids up to 5 years old), Creche, Sports Medicine Clinic, Lecture Theatre and Function Lounge.
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Showers:
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Yes
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Food:
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Cafeteria in centre
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Kids Club:
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Call reception for more info. Summer camp sessions during school holidays and block bookings for kids during term time.
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Courses/Instruction on offer:
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Climbing Wall Coaching Sessions take place regularly. Learn to Climb courses offered. These are between 8-12 weeks long and cover all aspects of climbing. Both adult and children's courses run on Thursday evenings.
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Shop:
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No
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Famous names who train there:
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None anymore! These days they've moved to sunnier pastures!
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