Ratho

Ratho combines a distinctive historic village centre with the Union Canal, notable routes towards Tormain Hill and special climbing opportunities. This allows you to shape your stay around different interests: you can explore the village’s history, discover the canal by bicycle or plan an active day at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena.

Historic village centre and traditional architecture

The historic village centre of Ratho lies south of the Union Canal and follows an L-shaped layout. Those who want to get to know the village not only as a starting point for activities but also in its own structure will find a clear starting point for planning their trip here. In the village centre of the Ratho Conservation Area, small-scale cottages in traditional vernacular style create a unified character. Traditional building materials are also used consistently throughout the Ratho Conservation Area.

These architectural features give a visit to the village its own historical and architectural perspective. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Ratho, it can therefore be decisive what you want to focus on: should the historic village centre provide the setting for your trip, or are activities along the canal and around the climbing opportunities the main priority?

Union Canal, cycle path and routes into the countryside

The Union Canal Towpath and the Union Canal, on routes CEC 15 and CEC 15W, run through Ratho and past the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena. The Union Canal towpath is open to cyclists and includes a 35-mile route restored for cycling. Those who prefer to explore the surrounding area by bicycle can incorporate this particular route profile into their day planning.

For walking interests, a different focus presents itself: a high-level path runs southwards from Ratho to Tormain Hill and Craw Hill. On Tormain Hill there are cup-and-ring rock carvings designated as a Scheduled Monument. The rock carvings also give the route a cultural and historical dimension, without limiting the excursion to a purely village-focused visit.

Climbing opportunities for different travel plans

Ratho is particularly interesting when exercise is to have a firm place in your holiday. The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, or EICA for short, is located in Ratho and is Europe’s largest indoor climbing centre. EICA also houses the United Kingdom’s only IFSC world-standard facility for speed and lead climbing.

Another specific activity is Clip n Climb. The climbing attraction is aimed at children aged 4 and over as well as adults, and offers 18 elements and 22 climbing routes. This allows families to plan a stay that appeals to different age groups through their own activity options. At the same time, you remain free to choose whether the focus should be on climbing, cycling, the high-level path or the historic character of the village.

The right base for your stay

When choosing a holiday apartment in Ratho, it helps to first determine the type of trip you want. Those travelling by bicycle can consider the Union Canal Towpath and its 35-mile route as an important part of their planning. For travellers interested in culture, the historic village centre, the Conservation Area and the rock carvings on Tormain Hill take centre stage. Those looking for active experiences will find two clearly different climbing opportunities at EICA and Clip n Climb.

This means there is no single recommendation for every trip, but rather a choice based on personal interests. Accommodation in Ratho can provide the right setting for a holiday whose focus lies somewhere between architecture, landscape, cycling and climbing. As you continue your search, decide which of these facets should shape your stay.

Compare other destinations

If you would like to consider other places for your trip in addition to Ratho, you can also visit the pages for Currie, Newbridge, Queensferry and Leith.

For the higher-level travel overview: Edinburgh.