What they don't say in the article is that the canals allow a really nice bike trip across Scotland (Edinburgh-Glasgow). Just get on a morning train and cycle back. There is no way you'll miss the Falkirk Wheel.
That is amazing. It isn't often you find such a good marriage of form and function. Am I right in thinking that this would be more efficient than conventional locks? They don't have to actually pump any water in this design, and the boat is essentially counterbalanced by the cantilever design so the rotational force needed to turn the wheel would be minimal.
I never thought I'd see a link about Falkirk on HN. I live just up the road from the Wheel :) It's pretty incredible to watch - there aren't many places where you can watch such a large piece of machinery in routine operation.
nice, I noticed that on the train the other day, ive been meaning to go visit it for a while since its only ~40 minutes from me, will make the time to soon.
been there - it is totally worth the trip. this is a great write up as well, makes me want to print it out and go again (if i still lived in scotland...)