John Muir Way

Cross the magnificent Scottish heartland in honour of the 'Father of National Parks'.

4 to 13 nights
41-133 miles
Moderate to Moderate / Demanding

From £355 per person

About the trail

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 walk the entire trail, simply select the first option from the list below.

Trail running available

We also organise trail running holidays along this trail. Visit Contours Trail Running Holidays.

Routes on this trail

John Muir Way

11 to 13 nights
133 miles
Moderate / Demanding+
From £970 per person
Cross through the stunning scenery of the Scottish heartland from Helensburgh to Dunbar.Find Out More

John Muir Way - West Section

8 to 9 nights
91 miles
Moderate / Demanding+
From £705 per person
A self-guided walking holiday from Helensburgh to Edinburgh through the beautiful Lomond Hills.Find Out More

John Muir Way - East Section

4 to 5 nights
41 miles
Moderate+
From £355 per person
A self-guided walk from the city of Edinburgh to Dunbar along the unspoilt Scottish coastline.Find Out More

Customer reviews from the John Muir Way

“Interesting, fun, scenic.”
Ms Schnitger, USA
“We had a lovely walking tour. We very much enjoyed the trip and appreciate Contours' assistance with our special arrangements. We have told others of our three wonderful trips with Contours and highly recommended your company.”
Ms Green, 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
“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
“Quite good weather, nice and different landscapes, excellent accommodations.”
Mr Pirson, Belgium