A WHEELY BIG ADVENTURE!
Recommendation added: 27/05/2006 14:59
By: Lou3000 (YSUK rating +25)Lou3000 has been thanked 5 times for this contribution
"Sited in a natural open amphitheatre at Rough Castle near Falkirk, this mechanical marvel is unique in that it is the only rotating boat lift in the world. Yes, that's right a boat lift! An exciting and interesting place to visit and a wonderful day out for the family, the Falkirk wheel is a masterpiece of engineering and has been likened to a giant piece of Meccano. This fact alone will have men of a certain generation enthralled and dewy-eyed with reminiscences pointing out it's marvels to anyone who'll listen.
What's it for, though?
This 35m high, 1500 tonne machine transports canal barges and other boats between the Forth & Clyde and the Union Canal. The mechanism brings down the boats in the tank on top and brings up the boats in the bottom tank to the top by slowly rotating the wheel. Having descended, what is now the lower tank opens out into a 100m circular basin which was once an open cast pit, now cunningly concealed by neat landscaping. A final lock at the far end of the basin lowers boats to the level of the Forth and Clyde Canal.
Prior to the completion of The Falkirk Wheel, and before the closure of the canals in the mid-20th century, this transfer was achieved by a flight of eleven locks. Now, after it's completion (it was officially opened in May 2002 by The Queen), it allows unhindered passage to canal traffic between Glasgow and Edinburgh.
If you would like to know about The Falkirk Wheel itself, in more detail, visit the website (www.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk) for more photos and information.
My husband and I visited at the end of April 2006, when we were travelling back home to the Highlands, having been in Glasgow for the weekend.
A wee 'How to get there':
How to get there from Glasgow: From the M8 east-bound, join the M80 (Stirling/Kincardine Bridge). Continue along M83/A80 (through Moodiesburn and Mollinsburn) then take junction 5 for the M876 (Falkirk). Take the first exit off the M876 (Falkirk), picking up brown and white tourist signs for The Falkirk Wheel. The website will give you further, excellent travel details.
We arrived at about 4.30pm. As the Centre closed at 6pm , this didn't give us a whole lot of time to experience all it has to offer, but because we were so impressed, we intend going back soon. So, if you fancy taking a trip here are the opening times:
1st April 31 July 2006 7 days a week 09.30 18.00
1st August 31 August 2006 7 days a week 09.30 18.00 (There will be extended opening hours on August weekends 09.30 19.00
1st September 31 October 2006 7 days a week 09.30 18.00
There is a Park and Ride Car Park, which is a 'short walk' from the site itself.
However, it's not that short a distance if you suffer from any sort of disability, which affects your ability to walk. Visitors with disabilities or mobility issues may prefer to use the on-site car park. To locate this car park, upon approaching Falkirk, pick up the yellow AA signs for The Falkirk Wheel. You can also call 01324 619 888 for more information,
We were very lucky on the day we went because it was late Sunday afternoon and despite it being a Bank Holiday weekend, most of the visitors had dispersed. We were therefore able to park our car quite close to the Centre, which I was very grateful for because I do have arthritis and had rather overdone the walking in Glasgow earlier on in the day.
Things to do:
Boat Trips: There are trip boats which begin in the basin outside The Falkirk Wheel Visitor Centre, by boarding one of a fleet of special boats. The boat starts its journey by sailing into the bottom caisson of The Wheel, which then makes a graceful sweep, lifting the boat up to join the Union Canal 35m above. The ascent takes approximately 15 minutes, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the stunning views of the spectacular surrounding scenery.
Once lifted, the boat sails smoothly from The Wheel straight into the Union Canal. This passes along the aqueduct, through the 180 metre Roughcastle Tunnel and under the historic Antonine Wall. The boat will then return for an effortless descent that gently carries the boat down over the Visitor Centre, and back into the basin by the boardwalk.
PRICES
Adult £8
Children £4.25
Children under 3 go FREE
Concessions £6.50
Family £21.50
Trips last approximately 60 minutes, and visitors should arrive at least 30 minutes before the allocated trip time, in order to collect pre booked tickets and allow time to board the boat.
Note: The boat trips do allow for wheelchair access, but you have to let them know at the time of booking your trip if you require wheelchair access as spaces are limited. Also, group bookings for groups requiring wheelchair access can be made by special arrangement.
Visitor Centre: Free entrance. A beautifully constructed building, shaped rather like an orange segment, light and airy, giving breathtaking views on The Wheel in slow motion as you sit and sip your coffee (see Cafι). Includes interactive Exhibition and Viewing Gallery, information on Scotland's Canal Network, the remains of the Roman Antonine Wall that encloses the site and the wider area of Falkirk and surrounds.
A word of warning about the 'light and airy'. The Centre is light and airy because it is mostly made up of glass. Because the day was fine and sunny, it was actually quite difficult to see some of the exhibits and photographs which were displayed behind glass. Also, I could imagine that had it been a very hot day, being inside the Visitor Centre might be a bit like being inside a green house. Something to bear in mind when considering taking along small children.
If it is too hot inside the Centre, then outside is a joy and you can wander the canal banks and enjoy the birds and flowers.
Cafι: Serves a variety of hot and cold drinks with snacks and light meals. There is also a license so a nice cold glass of wine might go down a treat.
Shop: Packed with unusual gifts and souvenirs.
Irn Bru Children's Playground: A play area for children 5-14 years old, with a seating area for picnics. Irn Bru is probably Scotland's favourite fizzy drink and I assume this play area was donated by Irn Bru.
Toilets are situated inside the Visitor Centre and have wheelchair access.
It was a lovely day when we visited. The late afternoon was warm and sunny and there was a warm breeze. Most unusual for Scotland and certainly unusual for that time of year. This alone made the whole experience most enjoyable.
Just standing and watching the slow-moving wheel was relaxing. It seemed to have the same effect on other onlookers because the area was strangely quiet, even though there were a good many people still about.
Highly recommended and if proof were needed, it was recently voted as one of Scotland's most popular attractions."
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