John Muir Way Walking Holidays

John Muir is a notable figure with many strings to his bow. An avid traveller, talented writer and nature trailblazer, in his lifetime he campaigned for the conservation of wilderness areas and is credited with the creation of 4 national parks. Scotland is where he spent the first 11 years of his life and where he discovered his love of outdoor pursuits.

John Muir was a staunch campaigner for the preservation of wilderness areas, his nature writing and tireless petitioning of the government helped establish the national parks of America.

However, The John Muir Way is not closely related to the John Muir Trail of California, and those considering stepping out on this path should keep in mind that this path takes in scenery which is markedly different from the vast stretches of Yosemite that John Muir wrote about.

That being said, you'll find stretches of the way remarkably remote as you pass through quaint towns and villages, coastal expanses and Scotland's first national park (Loch Lomond and The Trossachs).

The expedition will take you from coast to country, from rolling farmland to breathtaking beaches.

The route links coast to coast, from the Firth of Clyde to the North Sea and John Muir's childhood home at Dunbar. The route is low-lying with the highest point at Gouk Hill (277 m), just outside Helensburgh. Following the route out of Edinburgh, at Musselburgh the way becomes predominantly coastal, with the final section continuing for a long stretch inland over field and farmland.

Considerable sections of the Way are spent following the Union and Forth & Clyde canal path. Along your route, you'll meet the Falkirk Wheel - an incredible feat of engineering designed to re-connect the two canals. The section from Balloch to Strathblane has long road-walking sections and as expected, the walk into and out of Edinburgh is the most urbanised stage of the journey. The trail is frequented by cyclists as well as walkers, especially on road and canal-side sections.