The stunning Falkirk Wheel which is the worlds first and currently only rotating boat lift, is an amazing new way of transferring boats between to canals whose water levels are 115ft apart instead of the flight of 11 locks which used to be the only way of moving boats from one level to the other!

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The Wheel, which is capable of lifting 600 tonnes of water over 35 metres in less than four minutes, is powered by ten hydraulic motors that turn the two caissons, each of which may accommodate up to four 20 metre long boats at any one time. Despite the scale of this power, each turn of The Wheel uses about the same energy as two boiling kettles.

The Falkirk Wheel turned by three large cogs, one on each gondola and one in between the two gondolas - these cogs turn, causing the wheel to turn!

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There is a great modern visitor centre which includes a great gift shop with lots of unique gifts, a great café which provides good food but also great views of the Falkirk Wheel which is situated next to the visitor centre and there is also a small area with lots of information and displays about the Falkirk Wheel!

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Recently we have received lots of messages about whether the Falkirk Wheel is accessible for disabled persons:_The Falkirk Wheel Visitor Centre is fully accessible by wheelchair, and there is a limited number available for use on site. The centre is also fitted with an induction loop for the hearing impaired. For disabled persons who wish to go on one of their trip boats they have got their new boats to be fitted specially to allow for wheelchair access.

For more information please:

Click Here to go to the Falkirk Wheel website,

Click Here to see a map of where the Wheel is [MultiMap],

Click Here to view the Falkirk Wheels website directions page,

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Click Here to go to the main attractions page.

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