| [otd] 24th May 2002 - opening of Falkirk Wheel Posted by grahame at 07:40, 24th May 2026 |     |
From https://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/visit/canals/visit-the-forth-clyde-canal/attractions/the-falkirk-wheel
The world’s only rotating boat lift, The Falkirk Wheel links the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Union Canal 35 metres above, allowing vessels to sail through the sky thanks to a unique fusion of art and engineering – and the same power it would take to boil eight kettles.
Transforming the contaminated site of a former tar works, The Falkirk Wheel opened in 2002 and replaced a flight of 11 locks that once stepped the Union Canal down to the level of the Forth & Clyde, more than 100 feet below. Whereas weary travellers once had a day’s heavy work opening and closing 44 lock gates to complete the journey between the two canals, The Falkirk Wheel allows vessels to transit between the two waterways in just a few minutes.
Transforming the contaminated site of a former tar works, The Falkirk Wheel opened in 2002 and replaced a flight of 11 locks that once stepped the Union Canal down to the level of the Forth & Clyde, more than 100 feet below. Whereas weary travellers once had a day’s heavy work opening and closing 44 lock gates to complete the journey between the two canals, The Falkirk Wheel allows vessels to transit between the two waterways in just a few minutes.
Should I be posting this? Are we off topic? Knowing that the Falkirk Wheel has attracted a number of our members to take a look (has anyone here ridden it?) and it's talked about on our member's area - yes - I'm posting. My own picture (probably one of my worst pictures of any time) is via https://www.wellho.info/share/falkirk.html
| Re: [otd] 24th May 2002 - opening of Falkirk Wheel Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 07:55, 24th May 2026 | |
I am a great fan of David Johns' video blog 'Cruising the Cut' on YouTube.
For some fascinating footage of the Falkirk Wheel, see https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2022/06/06/vlog-267b-wheel-meet-again/ (19 minutes)
| Re: [otd] 24th May 2002 - opening of Falkirk Wheel Posted by Oxonhutch at 08:36, 24th May 2026 | |
... Knowing that the Falkirk Wheel has attracted a number of our members to take a look (has anyone here ridden it?) and it's talked about on our member's area - yes - I'm posting. My own picture (probably one of my worst pictures of any time) is via https://www.wellho.info/share/falkirk.html
I have taken a full revolution of said structure not long after it opened visiting family in that part of the world. We used the touring narrowboat, with half a turn up; through the tunnel and return finishing with a half a turn back down. A wonderful piece of engineering.
