The Anonymous Widower

The Falkirk Wheel

The Falkirk Wheel was  the destination of the walk.

I think it is impressive. But is it art, engineering or a spectacular solution to lifting boats between two canals?. Wikipedia says this about the purpose of the lift.

The wheel raises boats by 24 metres (79 ft), but the Union Canal is still 11 metres (36 ft) higher than the aqueduct which meets the wheel. Boats must also pass through a pair of locks between the top of the wheel and the Union Canal. The Falkirk Wheel is the only rotating boat lift of its kind in the world.

It is also unique.

This Google Map gives a view looking down on the area.

Falkirk Wheel

The Forth and Clyde Canal, which runs across the top of the picture is thirty five metres lower than the Union Canal that runs along the bottom.

Perhaps we should create more spectacular machines like this. In the same class, I would include, these from the UK, that I have seen.

1. The Thames Barrier.
2. Tower Bridge
3. The Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge

All are different in their own way. But certainly at the Falkirk Wheel on a sunny Sunday afternoon, kids of all ages had gathered to watch.

September 6, 2015 - Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | Art, Canals, Engineering, Falkirk