Guide To The Falkirk Wheel
The Falkirk Wheel is a remarkable example of modern engineering and is the only boat lift that rotates in the world. It is located in central Scotland and connects the Forth & Clyde Canal with the Union Canal by lifting boats 115 feet between the two waterways. Since its opening in 2002, the wheel has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing over 500,000 visitors annually and turning Falkirk into a prominent tourist destination.The Falkirk Wheel is an impressive combination of art and engineering and has become an iconic Scottish landmark. It’s the only one of its kind in the world with its unique rotating design.
A Fusion of Art and Engineering
The wheel takes the place of 14 locks that previously connected the Union Canal to the Forth & Clyde Canal, which is over 100 feet below. The Wheel enables boats to move between the two canals quickly, rather than the lengthy process of opening and closing 44 lock gates that were necessary in the past.
The Falkirk Wheel Its gondolas can carry up to eight boats at once, with each containing 300 tonnes of water. Despite its impressive size, the Wheel only uses 1.5 kWh of energy for each rotation, which is equivalent to the power used by eight domestic kettles
More On & About The Forth & Clyde Canal
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Falkirk Wheel Visitor Centre
The Millennium Link Project
The wheel is the main attraction of the Millennium Link project, which aimed to restore coast-to-coast navigation on Scotland’s canals after 40 years.
The project had a total budget of £84.5 million and involved refurbishing the Forth & Clyde Canal and the Union Canal. This included significant work on bridges, locks, and stretches of the canals that had been filled in due to housing development.
Environmental Benefits
The wheel is an impressive engineering feat that serves as a transportation system between two canals and a catalyst for the revitalisation of the surrounding area.
It was constructed on a previously contaminated site that was once a tar works. Still, now it has become a thriving tourist destination and a symbol of Scotland’s dedication to sustainable development.
The Falkirk Wheel Visitor Experience
Visitors to the wheel can enjoy a variety of activities, including boat trips, woodland walks, cycle hire, water zorbing, and canoeing. The Scottish Segway Centre also offers Segway tours of the surrounding area. The Wheel hosts a range of family-friendly events throughout the year, ensuring there is always something to entertain and educate visitors of all ages.
Boat Trips
Visitors can embark on a 60-minute boat trip through the Falkirk Wheel. Advance booking is highly recommended, as spaces are limited.
The trip begins at the Visitor Centre, where passengers board their vessel before being lifted by the Wheel to the Union Canal. The boat then travels through the Roughcastle Tunnel before returning to the Wheel for the descent.
Or why not consider a weekend, midweek, or week break with a hire boat on the Forth & Clyde and Union Canal?
Visitor Centre and Facilities
The Visitor Centre at the Falkirk Wheel provides ample information on the Millennium Link project and the Wheel itself, along with a spacious shop and café. There is no admission fee, so visitors can relax and savour a hot beverage while observing the wheel’s rotation.
Nearby Attractions
The wheel is easily accessible by car or bus from Falkirk Town Centre, where you can find a variety of independent shops, malls, and restaurants. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take the footpaths from the wheel to explore the Rough Castle Roman Fort and the Antonine Wall, which are both parts of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Read More
You can read more about boat lifts and the engineers who built them.
The Falkirk Wheel Pictures
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The Falkirk Wheel Reviews
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Review from Google Places
It was truly awe-inspiring to witness this technological marvel in operation. The views of the rotating wheel were breathtaking, and the entire experience was a sight to behold.
Having seen this on television before, I can say that being there in person is an entirely different and incredible experience. I highly recommend visiting this place.Show more
Additionally, if you are interested, you can take a walk along the canal all the way to the Kelpie.
Review from Google Places
We hired a canal boat for the week, so got to go on the wheel twice; it’s a legitimate engineering marvel and the way it works is very clever.
The view from the top is also impressive, you can even see the Grangemouth refinery on a clear day.
Review from Google Places
A fantastic piece of engineering and fascinating to discover its history and see it in action.
The boat trip is worth going on. Not only to experience the wheel itself, but also the humorous banter from the boat crew and then finally the view on the return journey.
Parking is free for 20 minutes or £3.50 for the full day.Show more
The cafe in the visitors centre does an excellent breakfast and great tasting coffee.
Dogs are allowed in the centre and the first part of the cafe. They are also allowed in the boat trip as long as they are not of a nervous disposition. Ours is quite nervy, but she managed it. The main thing is the noise and vibrations when the boat is being steered into position.
An essential visit.
Review from Google Places
Amazing, such elegance in a functional and energy efficiency piece of engineering. Unfortunately as we were not sure what time we were going to get there we couldn’t book a boat trip in advance and we were unlucky that there was only seat left on the next sailing. We didn’t have time to wait for the next one but watching from the ground was utterly fascinating I think that to truly appreciate it fully you need to both see it in action AND experience it from on boardShow more
Review from Google Places
A fantastic feat of engineering, and a great day out for the family.
We paid £54 (family of 4) for the experience of the rotation and a little boat trip. While I wouldn’t go again, it was a lovely day and everyone enjoyed it. You can also watch for free so it’s well worth a visit.Show more
There’s lots of other things to do here, mini golf, kids splash park, play park and more. The cafe is great plus there’s a chip van as well.
Overall with plenty to do, great scenery and the incredible rotating boat lift it’s an amazing family day out.
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