John Muir Way
Explore John Muir Way at your own pace on a self-guided walking holiday. Accommodation, luggage transfer and custom holiday pack included.
John Muir Way
https://www.contours.co.uk/john-muir-way
Cross the magnificent Scottish heartland in honour of the 'Father of National Parks'.
From £557 per person
Named for the ‘Father of National Parks’, the John Muir Way is an energetic walk that strings together the best sights of the Scottish heartland along low-level, approachable paths. Pack your walk with visits to the Glengoyne Distillery, the Roman remains at the Antonine Wall, the world’s only rotating boat lift, the Falkirk Wheel, and Edinburgh Castle, to name but a handful of possibilities.
Canal paths, smooth trails, and old coffin roads lead the trail along lochsides and through rolling fields, with beautiful coastal views over the Firth of Forth. John Muir was all for making the best of the countryside more accessible, and this celebratory route does an excellent job of it.
We offer multiple holiday options along this trail. If you wish to experience the entire trail, simply select the first option from the list below.
Cyclists may enjoy our self-guided cycling holidays along the John Muir Way.
We also organise trail running holidays along this route. Find out more.
From £1507 per person
The John Muir Way traverses 135 miles across Scotland, from Helensburgh in the west to Dunbar in the east. Along the way, the walk encounters roman ruins, old distilleries, impressive castles and many more intriguing historic landmarks, as well as plenty of charming towns and villages, each with their own unique stories to share.
The scenery along the John Muir Way is fantastically diverse, showcasing sparkling lochs, rolling hills, unspoilt coastlines and rugged mountains, with plenty to discover throughout your walk.
| Code | Tour | Duration | Price per person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JMW1 | From Helensburgh to Dunbar | 10 days walking | £1507 | |
| JMW2 | From Helensburgh to Dunbar | 11 days walking | £1644 | |
| JMW3 | From Helensburgh to Dunbar | 12 days walking | £1775 |
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“Interesting, fun, scenic.”Ms Schnitger, USA
“Brilliant to be back in Scotland. I really enjoyed this one. Lots of scenic variety, ranging from hills and forests in the west, canals and the Antonine Wall in the centre, and coastal walking in the east. Also lots of extras to see and do along the way - I had a boat trip on Loch Lomond, a ride on the Falkirk Wheel, and climbed Arthur's Seat and Berwick Law.”Mr Julyan, UK
“Another enjoyable holiday thanks to Contours. A well maintained path with excellent way marks. Not a classic walk (ie not in the same class as Pennine Way, Offa's Dyke, West Highland way and some of my coastal paths) but I enjoyed it. Loved it! I was fairly lucky with the weather - just 3 wet days.”Mr Duthoit, UK
“Immensely. Everything was perfectly arranged with good directions to each accommodation. Enjoyable route, easy walking. Great hosts. I have already recommended this holiday to others. Will book another holiday with you, just need to wait for the body, and the bank, to recover.”Ms Freeberg-Hagen, USA
“Varied and interesting walk. I knew before I went that it went through populated areas of the central belt but I was keen to see them on foot. I was surprised by how unexploited the canals are.”Mr Moon, UK
“A wonderful holiday across beautiful scenery with many interesting sights. Highly recommend this holiday but it's a bit of a challenge in some spots. Met many nice Scottish folks who were very helpful when I had difficulties finding my way in two places. I would definitely recommend this holiday to others. Already looking at alternatives for 2023. Will be in touch.”Mr Kuhns, USA
“The walk was an excellent way of connecting to the West Highland Way from the Pennine Way. Surprisingly rural and quiet most of the time. The digital route supplied worked well but most of the Route had excellent on the ground signage. I think this makes an excellent link route when doing a longer version of Land’s End to John o’ Groats.”Mr Dowling, Ireland
“It was wonderful. Everyone replied to our questions quickly and helpfully.”Ms Yatsko, USA
“All expectations were met or exceeded. Maps, luggage transfer and lodgings were very well done. The material sent prior to the walk was most helpful, particularly about local transportation options. Keep up the good work.”Mr Crocker, USA
