Sport in Edinburgh

Despite being relatively far away from most of the Olympic action over the summer, Edinburgh is nonetheless feeling the pride of what has to be the greatest sporting extravaganza in living memory.

And there's plenty going on in a city still riding high on the successes of local Scottish Andy Murray and Sir Chris Hoy, both of whom saw incredible victories in London 2012.

Edinburgh is aiming to be the most active metropolis in Europe by 2020, so now is the perfect time to get your heart, muscles and mind pumping.

Although the weather is beginning to turn, the amount of variety on offer in this stunningly sporty city is jaw-dropping, and the range of indoor and outdoor activities will mean you'll need a better excuse than the cold to stop you from getting fit on your holiday.

Whether you fancy booking a squash court, loosening your muscles with a relaxing walk or even imitating the success of Sir Hoy on the bike track, there's a lot of choice on offer if you know where to look.

Swimming

If swimming is your thing then you'll love the Portobello Swim Centre. The venue is truly unique among others in the city, and indeed the country, as it contains a fantastic mixture of traditional Victorian features as well as Turkish baths and more modern facilities.

After you've completed a few lengths and presumably put Rebecca Adlington to shame, you might find time to enjoy some of the more relaxing features of the complex (it is a holiday after all!). Unwind in the steam room or find excitement and joy in the plunge pool before some chill-out time in the cafe with a delicious cake and a coffee while enjoying the splendid views. Bliss.

Golf
Who needs to venture outside the city to enjoy this fantastic sport? Edinburgh is home to six golf courses ranging from the family-friendly beginner fairway at Portobello to the epic gorse-covered 18-hole spectacular located at Braid Hills.

Those who have always wanted to give golf a go can participate in a range of introductory courses offered by the golf clubs (chortle) and those who are enjoying group holidays can book a session for up to six people.

But if you already know your stuff, you can roll up any time during the opening hours and enjoy a good game. Edinburgh Leisure, which maintains the courses, prides itself on encouraging new golfers. "You won’t find any elitism or stuffiness here", they say – they're all about the sport.

Walking
Here, walking is not just a reliable way of getting around the city; it can also be a full-blown sporting activity or a gentle amble depending on the route you choose.

Enjoy striding along narrow cobbled pathways on a steep uphill tangent? Old Town is full of such places to explore, and its rich heritage means there's always something to see on your wander. Or perhaps a climb to the top of Arthur's Seat is in order, strictly for those who enjoy a Lord of the Rings style upward trek but like to be home in time for a spot of lunch. Photos at the top of one of the most recognisable landmarks in Edinburgh are also a must so see if you can clamber up to the top of the castle and enjoy the stunning views.

Fancy meeting a few other ramblers on your travels? Take advantage of the famous Edinburgh hospitality and join one of the many free walking clubs strolling around the city at any given time of year. Not only to they know all of the best routes but they're also highly sociable.

Edinburgh International Climbing Arena
If you're looking for something a bit more exciting than a simple saunter along the Royal Mile, look no further than the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA). Featuring one of the tallest climbing walls in Europe at 28 metres high, you'll find a variety of climbing routes - from simple runs for beginners to overwhelmingly challenging routes for hardcore Spidermen and Catwomen.

Newcomers can get some instruction in the form of a one-off lesson if they're just looking for a taster, while experienced climbers are free to explore the wall after passing a brief evaluation by the test centre for safety purposes.

Besides the climbing wall, the arena is packed full of active things to do, including a gym and a fitness studio. If all that exercise has left you with strained tendons and aching bones, then it would be rude not to pop down and see the centre's very own massage therapist for a well-earned session.

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