Lost Shore Surf Resort opened recently and is Europe’s largest inland surfing destination. It stretches over 60 acres. Make no mistake, it is impressive and the resort claims to offer a surfing experience “for all abilities, experience and ambition”.
The pool is three times the size of Wembley football pitch and the state-of-the-art technology can generate up to 1,000 waves an hour.
It is also claimed to have green credentials as it consumes less energy than a single chairlift at a ski resort.
The website blurb says: “We are ambitious and intend to change the landscape of Scottish tourism by establishing Scotland as the go-to destination for adventure.”
Lost Shore sits on the outskirts of Edinburgh near Ratho, 25 minutes from the centre of Scotland’s Capital, and adjacent to the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena.
The centrepiece pool has two halves and, in each side there are two surfing areas, the bay with whitewater waves for beginners, and the reef with green waves for more advanced surfers.
It also boasts luxury accommodation, a waterfront bar, café and restaurant plus surf schools, a surf shop, The SurfSkate Academy and well-ness treatments.
Bosses also claim that this is a world-class facility and will bring an iconic sport to a new inland home.
Waves can be tailored for everyone and there were a number of hardy surfers riding the waves, some more successfully than others, in the biting west wind which blew across the extensive area which is being landscaped.
Lessons are from £60 (£50 for a child) and were told they last 90 minutes. Surf sessions are from £55 (£45 child) and they are designed to “maximise your experience”.
We preferred to watch from inside the canteen – offering breakfast, lunch and dinner – which serves delicious pizza, yet is was top class, and Mexican, which was not on the menu during our visit.
We plumped for a slice of margherita (marinara, mozzarella, buffalo mozzarella, and basil), wild mushroom (vegan mozzarella, mixed wild mushrooms, truffle oil and basil) and civerinos (double marinara, pepperoni, Italian sausage, rosemary, black pepper, parsley and garlic oil)
The resort has 53 luxury accommodation units from Hilltop Lodges (six fully accessible) and sleeping up to eight people.
Overall, it took my breath away and so did the biting west wind which blew over the site. Certainly worth a visit, even without your wet suit.
Address is 11 South Platt Hill, Newbridge EH28 8AY
MAIN PICTURE: The two ponds at Lost Shore. Picture Nigel Duncan
General view of the Canteen (on the right), some of the accommodation and the pool. Picture Nigel Duncan
CANTEEN VIEW: Eat pizza or Mexican food and watch the action. Picture Nigel Duncan
CLOSE UP: View of the pool-side chalets. Picture by Nigel Duncan
Experienced news, business, arts, sport and travel journalist. Food critic and managing editor of a well-established food and travel website. Also a magazine editor of publications with circulations of up to 200,000 and managing director of a long-established PR/marketing company with a string of blue-chip clients in its CV. Former communications lecturer at a Scottish university and social media specialist for a string of successful and busy SMEs.
