Felkirk Water Wheel

The great thinker Arcemedies was correct. A space of water weighs the same no matter what you put in the water. Displacement offsets and the weight stays the same.

Put this idea into practice with some steel and technology, and you solve the problem of moving canal boats up hill. Instead of a lock there is a huge water wheel.

Watch a YouTube if you want to know about the science, but trust me, watching the wheel go around and thinking about the mechanics kept us occupied for several hours.

The photos don’t do it justice, you’ll have to come and see it for yourself. Or, better yet, come and rent a canal boat for the week and ride the wheel and see Scotland from the canals. We won’t tick that box off my list this trip, but we will one day.Read more