John Muir Way

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks”

John Muir

The John Muir Way is a fantastic 134 mile coast to coast walking and cycling route that stretches through the heart of Scotland from Helensburgh on the west coast to Dunbar on the east coast.

The route is named after John Muir, who was born in Dunbar and after his family emigrated to America when he was around 11 he went on to campaign to establish Yosemite National Park. John Muir is known as the ‘Father of National Parks’ and an early ecological thinker and conservationist. He wrote 12 books and over 300 articles before his death in 1914 and is remembered on John Muir Day on 21^st April each year. https://johnmuirway.org/about/why-john-muir/

The route was launched in 2014 on the centenary of his death to celebrate his important legacy in his homeland and in recognition that his philosophy and work on conservation is more relevant now than ever.

The route is split into 10 sections through varied landscapes across central Scotland. Stage four of the John Muir Way stretches through Lanarkshire from Croy Hill which is known as the site of a Roman fort. Continuing along the line of the Antonine Wall for a short section, picking up the Forth and Clyde Canal towpath which is followed to Bonnybridge. The complete walk can be done in 7 - 10 days, and you can also cycle or ride your horse along some sections of the route.

You can visit https://johnmuirway.org/ for more detail and maps of each route section.

“Keep close to Nature’s heart…and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean”.

John Muir