📌 Boatlift between the Forth & Clyde Canal and Union Canal, Falkirk
★★★
Unique in Scotland, and indeed the world, the Falkirk Wheel is a magnificent piece of engineering – all £17.5 million of it. The rotating boatlift replaced several locks linking the two Central Belt canals at Falkirk, and was constructed as part of the Millennium Link which helped to reopen both waterways to traffic in 2002: the Forth & Clyde Canal is at the bottom, and the Union Canal is at the top. It’s an undeniably impressive device, but we’re not quite so convinced about the visitor experience. The fancy visitor centre is mostly just a big shop and lacks interpretation space, while boat trips up and down the Wheel are a bit pricey. Better views of the gigantic structure are actually gained exploring the site on foot – for free.
🌍 Location
📌 Union Canal 2 mi west of Falkirk town centre
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NS 853802
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 56.000388,-3.841712
🚌 Bus to Falkirk Wheel | 🚆 Camelon (0.5 mi)
🚗 Car parks on Millennium Wheel Drive & Lime Road
📝 Key info
⌚ Boat trips daily, late March to mid September – probably also some winter openings, but check official website. Rest of site: always open
🎫 £17.50 adult / £9.50 child
