During our holiday on the Isle of Man over the summer, we visited the Great Laxey Wheel, which is the biggest working waterwheel in the world. It was designed by the Victoria engineer Robert Casement in order to pump water from the Laxey lead and zinc mines, 1500ft below the ground. The mines were closed in 1929 but the wheel still remains a tourist attraction.
The Laxey Wheel is also known as “Lady Isabella”, having been named after the wife of the Hon. Charles Hope, who was the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man when the wheel was opened in 1854.
We got our first glimpse of the wheel as we travelled up to Snaefell, the Isle of Mann’s highest point, on the Snaefell Mountain Railway. It looked very impressive from the distance and even more so close up. The wheel is just over 72ft high and you can climb the spiral staircase to the viewing platform at the top.
It was quite a challenge climbing the spiral staircase whilst carrying a small child each, not helped by a very low beam partway up the staircase. I had Sophie on my back in the toddler carrier which was fairly manageable but my tall hubby found it quite hard to negotiate the beam whilst carrying Jessica in his arms. The staircase is very narrow and we were very relieved not to meet anyone trying to go in the opposite direction while we were making our way up and down it!
The beautiful view across the valley from the top was well worth the climb though and I loved looking down at the shadow the wheel cast on the ground. Jessica was quite taken by the huge legs on the triskelion on the side of the wheel.
We also had a wander along one of the trails around the wheel itself. There are three different trails, varying in length. We followed the mid-length trail which took us about half an hour or so. I was very glad that we had left the buggy in the car as the trail we followed definitely wasn’t buggy-friendly. In fact, I don’t think any of the three were so if you are visiting with a little one in tow, I would definitely recommend a baby/toddler carrier instead.
There is an entrance to the mines a short walk from the wheel where you can go in a short way. Jessica wasn’t very keen on going inside, and I’m slightly claustrophobic anyway, so was quite happy to stay outside and admire the pretty waterfall while hubby went in and explored!
The trail we followed took us alongside the huge rod connecting the wheel to the pump shaft and there were plenty of information boards along the way explaining how the wheel worked.
There is also a trail which leads from the Laxey Wheel around the village and the various buildings associated with the mine, taking in another waterwheel, known as “Lady Evelyn”. The guide book suggests that this trail takes a couple of hours to complete at a leisurely pace – sadly we didn’t have time to explore it though.
The Great Laxey Wheel is open from March to November and costs £5 for adults and £2.50 for children (under 5s are free).
What an amazing site that is and all credit to you both climbing all the way up those steps carrying the girls, you were certainly rewarded with some stunning views and beautiful countryside all around. A hear it was still in use in the 1920s. Funnily enough I’ve just seen a photo of Coombe Mill from back then, though it isn’t clear if it was actually a working watermill at that time. Certainly it didn’t have a wheel anything close to this! Thank you for sharing with me on Country Kids.
Thanks Fiona, it was certainly a very interesting place to visit 🙂
Amazing engineering construction with amazing views. Looks fascinating to visit.
It certainly was 🙂
Wow, what a feat of engineering, that wheel is incredible. The views look stunning too. Definitely worth the climb x #countrykids
Thanks Sara, it was really quite something and the views were definitely worth the climb 🙂
Fair play for carrying the girls up there. Looks like you had really good weather for your trip. Stunning views. #countrykids
We did have a lovely day for our visit and the views were gorgeous 🙂
I’ve seen the Laxey Wheel from the mountain railway, but never been up it. It looks well worth the climb on a sunny day! Next time we are the island we will have to try and make it there. #CountryKids
I’d definitely recommend it if you get the chance – the views are fab 🙂
Wow, what a fabulous construction. It must look stunning close-up and well worth the climb for the views, I’m sure!
It was really quite something, Sarah, and the views from the top were lovely 🙂
That looks really impressive, especially since it is still a working mill! I do love Victorian structures, they are always a beauty, aren’t they? 🙂 #countrykids.
It certainly is a beautiful structure 🙂
I’ve seen this on a tv show, looks very impressive, think I’d be with you on the cave bit though #CountryKids
It is a stunning piece of engineering. Definitely not a fan of going in caves or mines!
Wow it is a really impressive structure isn’t it and it looks like you visited on a beautiful sunny day too! I love visiting places of local interest like this – it makes me think a bit of North Wales which is also beautiful. Xx #countrykids
It is lovely to visit places of local interest – I’ve not visited much of North Wales though. Will have to add it on to our list of palces to visit! 🙂