Atop the Wheel

After arriving at the top of the wheel, we made a short journey up the canal; through a tunnel that ran underneath the Antonine Wall we travelled at 4 mph (the maximum on British Canals) to the upper lock. The upper lock is the 1st of 3 locks on this part of the canal system. The Falkirk Wheel is the middle lock and replaces 11 previous locks. Prior to the Wheel being erected, the trip from the top lock to the bottom lock took approximately 10 hours. Now the entire trip can be completed in just under an hour. This photo was taken from the top of the wheel on our return journey looking out over the valley. Next to our boat is a small canal cruiser. There are numerous companies that hire these boats out for excursions of any length. Marita Beth & I are considering, seriously, a Calendonia Canal Cruise when next we visit Scotland. Hire a boat for a few days and slowly traverse the canal system stopping at villages and spots of interest along the way. I think it could be great fun. (Listening to: The Beautiful Ones by Mariah Carey)