The September of 2007 saw us on a tour of Scotland. After our steady start up the Northumberland and lower Scottish east coast we detoured inland to Falkirk. We came here to visit the man-made spectacle of the Falkirk Wheel. Opened in 2002 it was part of British Waterways project to restore the navigable link between the east and west coasts.
The huge stainless-steel structure rotates 180 degrees during a five minute cycle, transferring the two boat chambers 115 ft.from one level to the next.
Allthough there are tourist trips on a canal boat using the wheel lift a better view is had by simply walking all around the base walkways whilst it is working.
There is a Visitors Centre well stocked with souvenirs and an interesting display area, all about The Wheel. With a comfortable all weather eating area overlooking The Wheel itself, several memorable hours soon slip by.
For more detailed information of the building of this wonderful piece of engineering click on, www.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk