John Muir Way

John Muir Way

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

4 to 13 nights
42-135 miles
Moderate to Moderate / Demanding

From £530 per person

Find your holiday

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

Choose your route

  • John Muir Way
  • John Muir Way - West Section
  • John Muir Way - East Section

About this route

8 to 9 nights
94 miles
Moderate / Demanding
2nd January to 24th December

From £1035 per person

John Muir Way - West Section

From Helensburgh to Scotland’s capital of Edinburgh, the west section of the John Muir Way follows coffin roads, canal paths, dismantled railways and a stretch of the West Highland Way through flourishing countryside, omitting the coastal stretch at the eastern end of the trail.

This half of the route enjoys staggering views across Loch Lomond and some of the wildest parts of the John Muir Way as it passes Lennoxtown and Kirkintilloch. The 14th century Callendar Park and House lie on the route, too, and the broad Union Canal leads the way into Edinburgh, a grand city full of history, architecture and all kinds of shops, museums and theatres.

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
JMWW1 From Helensburgh to Edinburgh 8 nights, 7 days walking Moderate / Demanding £1035
JMWW2 From Helensburgh to Edinburgh 9 nights, 8 days walking Moderate / Demanding £1160

Customer reviews from the John Muir Way - West Section

“We had an awesome time! The trip exceeded our expectations! I already have recommended this holiday several times. I sure hope to book another holiday with you!”
Mr Fuglestad, UK
“All went very smoothly, thanks for organising it. Interesting and successful holiday.”
Mrs Murray, UK
“Interesting walk, well signposted, did complete the East section under my own arrangements so I was pleased to do the whole John Muir Way.”
Mrs Wood, UK
“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
“We enjoyed beautiful walks! We walked more on hard surfaces/tarmac than we expected, which made it tougher to keep up the walking. The holiday pack was very useful for our day-to-day planning. The transfer of our luggage worked out great every day, as did the taxi transfers to and from our overnight locations. Both walking holidays we booked with you were very enjoyable. More so because everything was arranged perfectly!”
Mrs Maas-Emmen, Netherlands
Find your holiday