Scotland's 'Waterways' Urge You to Spring into Summer! - Falkirk Wheel
20 March 2008
The new Spring/Summer season starts at The Falkirk Wheel on Thursday 21 March 2008, with opening hours extended to seven days a week from 9.30 am to 6.00 pm. British Waterways Scotland is encouraging everyone to explore and enjoy one of the world's most unique visitor attractions.
The Falkirk Wheel provides everything needed for a perfect day out. Visitors can experience the thrill of The Wheel on a special boat trip which takes about 50 minutes. The visitor centre provides a sensational land vantage point from which to view The Wheel in action, and the gift shop has many treats for all the family.
The interactive displays provide an excellent source to learn more about this feat of engineering and the Tourist Information Centre can help visitors plan further trips in Scotland .
During their visit to The Wheel, visitors can also shop in The Scottish Larder, a new addition to The Wheel, which offers good food for all the family. Picnic facilities are available for dining al fresco, or visitors can treat themselves in the café.
Visitors can round off the perfect day by taking a leisurely stroll along the canal, explore it by bike or even hire a boat and cruise on the waters of one of Scotland 's greatest assets!
There are many events at The Falkirk Wheel over the next couple of months such as the Anthony Nolan Abseil on 23 March, a Craft Fair from 22 - 24 March and the World Challenge Abseil on 26 April.
Situated in a natural amphitheatre outside Falkirk , The Wheel is the only structure of its kind in the world. It is the height of eight double decker buses, capable of lifting loads equivalent to the weight of 100 African elephants and able to carry eight or more boats at a time!
Joining the Forth & Clyde with the Union canal, The Wheel works using a rotating arm with gondolas at either end, that turn like the sails of a windmill, lifting and lowering boats in the gondolas from one level to another. There are approximately 2,000 transits through The Falkirk Wheel, with approximately 135,000 passengers passing through on boat trips annually. Visitors to The Wheel increased by 18% in 2007 and British Waterways Scotland is confident this number will increase in 2008.
To help visitors maximise their visit to Scotland 's canals this year, British Waterways Scotland has launched new pocket sized guides for each of the canals, which include a map, detailing all the exciting things to do along Scotland 's canal network.
Ends 19 March 2008
For further information:
Paula McNulty? or Lesley ClarkWeber? ShandwickT?: 0131 556 6649M: 07770 886924 / 07770 886901E: pmcnulty@webershandwick.com / lclark@webershandwick.com
Notes to Editors
British Waterways Scotland
Responsibility for inland waterways in Scotland is a devolved matter, with funding for British Waterways' Scottish activities coming from the Scottish Government. In Scotland the 137-mile (220km) canal network includes the Caledonian, Crinan, Forth & Clyde, Union and Monkland canals.
British Waterways Scotland works in partnerships with local authorities, voluntary groups, private companies and other government agencies to protect and enhance the waterways and benefit the communities through which they run.
The organisation balances the conservation of the country's heritage and environment with developing commercial opportunities to generate income to reinvest in the waterways for further sustainable regeneration.
Millions of people enjoy Scotland 's inland waters for recreational activity, sports and leisure. Safety is British Waterway's top priority. Water safety advice and information on the safe use of Scotland 's canals - both on water and waterside - can be found on our websites.
www.britishwaterways.co.ukwww.waterscape.comwww.scottishcanals.co.ukwww.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk
The Falkirk Wheel
Bookings:
Advance bookings are highly recommended for boat trips through The Falkirk Wheel, as daily availability cannot be guaranteed. Tickets can be pre-booked up to 5.00 pm the day before you intend to travel (2.00 pm on a Sunday). To reserve your trip, call the booking line 08700 500 208
Boat Trip Prices:
Adult £8
Child (3-15 years) £4.25
Family ticket (2 adults/2 children) £21.50
Child under 3 years FREE
Concession £6.50
15% discount on off-peak boat trips
Concessions - Seniors, Students and Claimants - with appropriate verification
It is advisable to arrive half an hour before the trip to allow for ticket collection and boarding.
Admission to the visitor centre is free.