The Falkirk Wheel allows vessels to transit between the two waterways in just a few minutes. When one of the structure’s gondolas is lowered, the opposite one rises, keeping the vast, 1800 tonne boat lift in perfect balance as it carries canal barges 35 metres into the air in a matter of minutes.
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.
What is the damage to Falkirk Wheel?
The opening was delayed a month due to flooding caused by vandals who forced open the wheel’s gates. The damage, which cost £350,000 to repair, resulted in the dry well being flooded, damaging electrical and hydraulic equipment.
Can anyone 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.
What is special about 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.
How many people died in the Battle of Falkirk?
2,000 killed
The Battle of Falkirk (Blàr na h-Eaglaise Brice in Gaelic), which took place on 22 July 1298, was one of the major battles in the First War of Scottish Independence.
| Battle of Falkirk | |
|---|---|
| Casualties and losses | |
| c. 2,000 killed | c. 2,000 killed |
How fast is the Falkirk Wheel?
The Falkirk Wheel turns using a system of gears, which allow the speed of rotation of the 1800-tonne structure to be carefully controlled. The central axle connects to the outer arms and slowly rotates the whole structure at a speed of ⅛ of a revolution per minute.
How much power does it take to turn the Falkirk Wheel?
1.5kWh
The Wheel only uses 1.5kWh of energy to turn, the same amount as it would take to boil 8 household kettles.
Can you stay overnight at the Falkirk Wheel?
Some overnight parking is available for a fee of £15 per night, with a £20 key deposit. Stays are limited to three nights per visit. The designated overnight area is not euqipped for power or lighting but 24 hours access is allowed to facilities in the New Port Downey Building.
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.
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.
Can you walk between the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel?
This short walk connects the stunning tourist attractions of the Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies equine structures on the historic Forth & Clyde Canal.
Is the Falkirk Wheel worth it?
The Falkirk Wheel is a fantastic day out with a difference and accessible to everyone! With boat trips, a cafe, gift shop, children’s activity zone, water play park & mini-canal, waterwalkerz, canoeing, bike hire and woodland walks; there really is something for everyone!
What did Gordon Ramsay say about Falkirk?
Ramsay called the town a “s***hole” when a contestant suggested Falkirk might be of the “five cities in Scotland”. He responded saying: “I was born in Scotland. Falkirk is not a city. It’s a s***hole, I swear to God.”
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.
What was the bloodiest battle in Scotland?
The battle of Flodden, which took place on 9 September 1513, is one of the bloodiest battles in British history. The Anglo-Scottish clash proved a devastating defeat for the Scots, who lost 10,000 men.
Why did Scotland lose the Battle of Falkirk?
The English cavalry drove the Scottish cavalry from the battlefield and was then able to defeat the Scottish archers. Without the protection of either cavalry or archers, the Scottish schiltrons were vulnerable. As the English charged again, their formations crumbled and the Scottish army was massacred.
When was the last Big in Falkirk?
Big in Falkirk was canceled in 2010.
How much does it cost to ride the Falkirk Wheel?
Adult £13.50. Concession £12.00 (anyone over 60, holding an Access Card, full time Student or Falkirk Council Tax Payer. We may ask to see proof of age or status) Child (5-15yrs) £8.00.
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).