John Muir Way recognised as one of Scotland’s great trails
THE JOHN MUIR WAY has officially been recognised as one of Scotland’s great trails.
The 134-mile route – which stretches across Scotland’s heartland, from Muir’s birthplace in Dunbar on the east coast, through Argyll and Bute to Helensburgh in the west – joins other world famous paths which have been honoured with the prestigious award. The John Muir Way is the 28th long distance route to be given the accolade by Scottish Natural Heritage. Since its launch in April 2014, which marked the centenary year of the Scots-born conservationist’ s death, the route has fulfilled the key criteria to earn the highly sought after status.
Echoing John Muir’s own personal journey growing up in Scotland’s east coast town of Dunbar before travelling to the west coast, where he set sail for life in America, the route was designed to showcase the best of central Scotland.
The John Muir Way takes in cas- tles, historic towns and villages, stunning coastal scenery as well as Scotland’s first national park, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, and has already attracted both walkers and cyclists from as far afield as the US, Canada, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands.
Keith Geddes of the Central Scotland Green Network Trust and the visionary behind the route, said: ‘The John Muir Way is an important part of honouring the work of John Muir as a renowned conservationist.
‘By raising awareness of Muir’s legacy we hope to inspire today’s youngsters – and Scots in general – to join the fight against climate change and help preserve our planet.’