The Falkirk Wheel is a rotating boat lift in Tamfourhill, Falkirk, in central Scotland, connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. It reconnects the two canals for the first time since the 1930s. It opened in 2002 as part of the Millennium Link project.

Where is the Falkirk Wheel Bridge located?

Situated approximately 23 miles from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, The Falkirk Wheel is easily accessible in the heart of Scotland.

Do you have to pay to see the Falkirk Wheel?

The Falkirk Wheel boat lift is an exceptional feat of modern engineering that connects the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals. ... Of course, you can just go to the Visitor Centre for free and watch the wheel in motion from canal side, so you don't need spend money on the boat trip to see the Falkirk Wheel in action.

Which canal is the Falkirk Wheel on?

The world's only rotating boat lift, The Falkirk Wheel links the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Union Canal 35 metres above.

Why is the Falkirk Wheel famous?

The Falkirk Wheel is the world's first and only rotating boat lift, designed and built to connect the Forth & Clyde Canal and the Union Canal which allows coast to coast navigation across central Scotland.

Archimedes and a Boat Lift: the Falkirk Wheel

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Who funded the Falkirk Wheel?

The plan to regenerate central Scotland's canals and reconnect Glasgow with Edinburgh was led by British Waterways with support and funding from seven local authorities, the Scottish Enterprise Network, the European Regional Development Fund, and the Millennium Commission.

Can you walk from Falkirk Wheel to kelpies?

This short walk connects the stunning tourist attractions of the Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies equine structures on the historic Forth & Clyde Canal. ... If the start at the Falkirk Wheel is impressive, the sight of the Kelpies is mind-blowing.

Is The Falkirk Wheel operating today?

Yes, the car park is currently open at The Falkirk Wheel and costs £3.50 for a ticket. The car park is also open at The Helix Park for access to The Kelpies. I was planning to bring my children is there anything for them to do? Our boat trips and outdoor activities reopened on Monday 26th April 2021.

Who engineered The Falkirk Wheel?

The result, The Falkirk Wheel, became the world's first and only rotating boatlift. Working with Architect RMJM, and the whole design team, Tony Gee developed the design into a visual incarnation combining Celtic and maritime imagery with 21st century engineering.

Is The Falkirk Wheel good?

The Wheel is great for a family day out with a Childrens Activity Zone, Mini Canal & Water Play Park, Water Activity Zone, Cycle Hire, Water Zorbing, Canoeing, Boat trips and Woodland Walks which take in parts of the Antonine Wall a World Heritage Site and Roughcastle Roman Fort.

Can you kayak The Falkirk Wheel?

Paddling through The Falkirk Wheel

Under certain circumstances, Scottish canals may allow groups of paddlers to access The Falkirk Wheel. If you have prebooked a timeslot, please check in with the Basin Controller on arrival. Paddlers accessing The Falkirk Wheel should portage to the slipway.

Can you park a motorhome at Falkirk Wheel?

Motorhomes. Some overnight parking is available for a fee of £15 per night, with a £20 key deposit. Please arrange parking and collect keys from our Visitor Centre during opening hours.

Can you take a trip on the Falkirk Wheel?

Yes, it is possible for visit both in the same day. They are located approximately 5miles from each other and can be access by walking or cycling along the towpath, by car or by public transport. There are no boat trips between the 2 locations (it would take 4 hours to travel by boat!) How does The Falkirk Wheel work?

How much does the Falkirk Wheel cost?

Prices: Adult £13.50. Concession £11.50 (anyone over 60, full time Student or Falkirk Council Tax Payer. We may ask to see proof of age or status)

Who designed and built the Falkirk Wheel?

There were a number of contributors to the design phases of the Falkirk Wheel. The final design is similar to a Celtic Double-headed Axe. It was a cooperative effort between the British Waterways Board, engineering consultants Arup, Butterley Engineering and a firm of architects called RMJM that was led by Tony Kettle.

How often does the Falkirk Wheel turn?

The speed which the Falkirk Wheel turns is 1/8th of a revolution per minute, taking only 4 minutes in total.

How far is kelpies from Falkirk?

The distance between Falkirk Wheel and The Kelpies is 4 miles.

Is Falkirk closer to Glasgow or Edinburgh?

It lies in the Forth Valley, 23.3 miles (37.5 km) north-west of Edinburgh and 20.5 miles (33.0 km) north-east of Glasgow. Falkirk had a resident population of 32,422 at the 2001 UK Census.

Are kelpies evil?

Kelpies are usually considered evil however a story from the island of Barra in the Outer Hebrides details the efforts of a lonely kelpie that was looking for love and so shape shifted into a handsome man to help win the heart of a women who he wanted to take as his wife.

Where are the 2 horse head sculptures in Scotland?

THE KELPIES AT THE HELIX

The Kelpies are two 30 metre (100 ft) high horse-head sculptures located at the Forth and Clyde Canal in The Helix, a 350 hectare parkland project built to connect 16 communities in the Falkirk Council Area of Scotland. They are the largest public artworks in Scotland.

How much did kelpies cost?

The sculpture was commissioned as part of the Helix project, which is regenerating a strip of land in central Scotland at a cost of £43m. The project is a partnership between Falkirk Council and Scottish Canals, and received a £25m grant from the Big Lottery fund.