The wheel has more than 15,000 bolts, matched to 45,000 bolt holes. Each bolt was tightened by hand. Each gondola, used to raise the boats, holds 500,000 litres of water, the same amount as an Olympic swimming pool.
How many locks did the Falkirk Wheel replace?
11 locks
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.
How boat is lifted on the Falkirk Wheel?
Boats needing to be lifted up enter the canal basin at the level of the Forth & Clyde Canal and then enter the lower gondola of the Wheel. Two hydraulic steel gates are raised, so as to seal the gondola off from the water in the canal basin. The water between the gates is then pumped out.
How big is the Falkirk Wheel?
The Falkirk Wheel is 35 metres tall, the equivalent of 8 double decker buses stacked on top of each other.
How much did the Falkirk Wheel cost?
£17.5 million
Costs and prices
The Falkirk Wheel cost £17.5 million, and the restoration project as a whole cost £84.5 million (of which £32 million came from National Lottery funds).
Can you walk between the Kelpies to Falkirk Wheel?
Experience this 14.3-km out-and-back trail near Falkirk, Falkirk. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 8 min to complete. This is a popular trail for running and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
How much does it cost to take a boat on the Falkirk Wheel?
Prices: Adult £13.50. Concession £12.00 (anyone over 60, holding an Access Card, full time Student or Falkirk Council Tax Payer.
What do you call someone from Falkirk?
Those who live in Falkirk are known as ‘the Bairns‘: this was after the 18th century when the well known motto ‘better meddle with the deil than the bairns of Falkirk’ became commonly used.
How long does it take for the Falkirk Wheel to rotate?
4 minutes
The Falkirk Wheel rotates at 1/8 of a revolution per minute, with one full rotation taking 4 minutes in total.
Was Irn Bru invented in Falkirk?
Initially named Irn Brew, Scotland’s other national drink was jointly launched in 1899 by AG Barr & Co (Glasgow) and Robert Barr (Falkirk). The drink was produced in Falkirk, with a colourful image daubed on the gable wall of the Cockburn Street building, which is now covered up by a billboard.
Is there a toilet on the Falkirk Wheel?
Are there toilets along the trail? There are toilets at The Helix 8am – 10pm and at The Falkirk Wheel open 10am-5.30pm.
How heavy is the Falkirk Wheel?
The Falkirk Wheel is 35m tall – the same as 8 double decker buses stacked on top of each other. 1,200 tonnes of steel were used in its construction. The wheel has more than 15,000 bolts, matched to 45,000 bolt holes.
Can you go inside The Kelpies?
The only way to get inside a Kelpie is on a Kelpies Tour!
The pinnacle of the tour is that you get to experience a Kelpie from the inside, and see for yourself the breathtaking engineering and design of The Kelpies.
Do the Falkirk kelpies move?
No they don’t move but you can do a guided tour and go inside them.
Did the Queen open the Falkirk Wheel?
The monarch’s next visit to Falkirk wasn’t until 1985 when, despite heavy rain, people turned out in their hundreds when she officially opened the new Mariner Sports Centre in Camelon. Both the Queen and Prince Philip were back in May 2002, for the opening of the Falkirk Wheel.
Can you walk around the Falkirk Wheel?
A short circular walk starting from the Falkirk Wheel and linking the two canals joined by the modern boatlift – includes a short section of tunnel. A good walk to combine with a visit to the Falkirk Wheel visitor centre and/or a boat ride.
Does it cost to see The Kelpies?
You can visit The Kelpies free of charge any time of the day, 365 days of the year due to their prime location in The Helix park. The area around the massive sculptures has been designed to give access for all, meaning everyone can come and see them up close.
How long is The Kelpies walk?
Explore this 1.8-km out-and-back trail near Grangemouth, Falkirk. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 21 min to complete. This is a popular trail for walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
Is Falkirk closer to Glasgow or Edinburgh?
It lies in the Forth Valley, 231⁄2 miles (38 kilometres) northwest of Edinburgh and 201⁄2 miles (33 km) northeast of Glasgow. 35,590 (mid-2020 est.)
Can any boat use the Falkirk Wheel?
Yes, use of the Wheel is free to all private pleasure boat licence holders. It is best to book your passage time ahead.
Can you see the Kelpies from the road?
The Kelpies are two giant steel horse heads that are easily visible from a distance while driving the M9 motorway. Standing nearly 100 feet (30 metres) high over the Forth & Clyde Canal, these are actually the largest pair of equine sculptures in the world.