The Falkirk Wheel is the worlds first rotating boat lift and the first boat lift to be built in Britain since the Anderton Boat Lift in Cheshire which dates from 1875.

Canal boat lift scotland. Letting someone else drive allows you to spend less time navigating and more time enjoying the scenery while the insider knowledge of a guide promises to enhance your experience of rural Scotland. One of our boating holidays and breaks gives you a unique opportunity to sail 35metres into the air on the worlds first and only rotating boat lift. This is due to the significant works programme currently being delivered across the network and the ways that Covid is impacting these works.

The Wheel is located at Bonnybridge close to Falkirk and forms the focus for the 845m Millennium Link project reconnecting the Forth Clyde and Union canals between Glasgow and Edinburgh and coast-to-coast across Scotland. The Forth and Clyde Canal opened in 1790 and allowed ships to sail the 35 miles between the Clyde at Glasgow to the Forth at Grangemouth. When one of the structures 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.

From here you can hire a boat sleeping between 2 and 6 persons and cruise along the Clyde canal and the Union Canal. RMJMs Falkirk Wheel is a 35m high rotating boat lift the worlds first. Scottish Canals staff currently operate all of the locks and bridges and boaters are not allowed to operate the locks themselves although help is happily accepted.

The second main canal the Union Canal opened in. The worlds 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. Information about your Scotland boating trip.

The total project cost was approximately 17 million and work took 22 months. Subscribe to our channel and visit us at. Timelapse video of our entire canal boat trip from Falkirk to Edinburgh and back including rides on the Falkirk Wheel.

For more information on the Falkirk Canal and what to do while youre there visit thefalkirkwheelcouk or call 01324 619888. Our narrowboat base at Falkirk will be open from May 1st for short breaks. The rotating boat lift that connects the Union Canal with the Forth Clyde.