Today we visited the town of Falkirk with the intention of seeing the Falkirk Wheel. Based on advice from workmates, we caught the train to Falkirk High railway station, from there walked along the Union Canal which would take us right to the wheel.
It was a cold morning, and to our amazement the canal was frozen over. Helen took delight at throwing sticks and twigs and watching the slide across the ice. We found some ducks who were hanging around in the water, under a bridge where there was no ice. Although the water was certain to be cold it didn’t stop them! When they saw us they walked up onto the ice to say hello.
Our walk took well over an hour to arrive at the Falkirk Wheel although we did dawdle. Not much can be said about the wheel that isn’t best said here. It is a millennium project which (quite successfully) links canals together, by lifting boats up and down simultaneously between the two canals of 35 metre height difference. We concur it is an engineering marvel as well as a work of art.
The wheel is free for canal users to travel, but has been made into an impressive tourist attraction, which judging by its popularity must do well. We went on the first boat ride of the day. The boats seat maybe 100 people but there was only us two and one other person! There are three boat captains and they take turns between driving and playing tour guide. We received plenty of personal attention and explanation from our guide, who was really nice and also told entertaining stories about the canal.
After riding up the wheel, the boat heads through RoughCastle Tunnel which we’re told is of historical significance.
Out the other side, we arrive at another lock on the canal. Here, there is a large turning area, which was completely frozen over. The skipper spun the boat round a few times, using the thrusters to help churn the water and break the ice. The ice mostly broke into large sheets rather than little pieces, and when the boat turned one sheet slid over another. This is apparently a problem as the following night they freeze into double thickness. So we had to work hard to break it well. The noise of the ice breaking was something else!
At this point the boat returned back the way it came, through the tunnel and down the wheel. This time, facing forward, the view over yonder is spectacular, if not short lived, but you wouldn’t want to be afraid of heights.
We then gave our thanks to our guide & captain, and headed across the pond. It wasn’t long until the next sailing, and I wanted to capture photos of the wheel in action. We had to be careful, as the ground was also covered in ice walking around here.
Once we had photos, we headed inside for soup and scones to warm up before heading on our way.
No comments:
Post a Comment