John Muir Way

You can now discover the heart of Scotland’s landscape by walking or cycling the John Muir Way.

This 134-mile trail stretches across the country, linking Helensburgh in the west to John Muir’s birthplace, Dunbar, in the east.

Whether you want a challenging adventure or a relaxing afternoon stroll, the route offers something for everyone.

1. The route
2. What to expect
3. Gallery – what you’ll see along the route
4. Videos
   1. Explore Scotland coast to coast
   2. John Muir Way Explore Falkirk
   3. John Muir Way: Explore Central Scotland’s Wild Side
   4. John Muir Way: Explore Scotland’s History & Heritage
   5. John Muir Way: A journey of coastlines and waterways
   6. Unhurried – Scotland coast to coast on John Muir Way
5. Audio / podcasts
6. Stay at Spoke ‘n’ Boot
   1. Why walkers and cyclists stay with us
   2. Plan your stopover
   3. Things to do on a rest day

Whether you want a challenging adventure or a relaxing afternoon stroll, the route offers something for everyone.

The route

The complete trail is waymarked with purple signage. In some sections there are also alternative routes – or “braids” – for cyclists to use.

These “braids” avoid steep steps and narrow gates, making them ideal if you are carrying panniers or want a smoother ride.

Walkers can complete the trail in around ten days – with most cyclists taking between three to seven days. We recommend using a mountain or gravel bike with sturdy tyres to complete the trail.

• Watch the video below – flying over route from west to east.
• Check out the John Muir Way Storymap – an illustrated guide to each of the sections, with maps, information and illustrations.
• Read more about the route on Walk Highlands
• Buy the official John Muir Way map and guidebook from Rucksack Readers

What to expect

The path follows a mix of canal towpaths, forest tracks, and quiet cycleways. While much of the route is flat, you can also climb to famous viewpoints like Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh or Gouk Hill near Helensburgh.

The trail starts right on the waterfront at Helensburgh and ends at John Muir’s Birthplace museum in Dunbar.

En route you’ll see:

• Balloch and Loch Lomond
• The Campsie Fells
• The Forth and Clyde and Union Canals
• Roman sites at Bar Hill, Croy Hill and Rough Castle
• The Falkirk Wheel
• Callendar House Museum, Falkirk
• Kinneil House, Bo’ness and nearby Blackness Castle
• Harbour towns like Bo’ness, South Queensferry and North Berwick
• The impressive Forth Bridges
• Dirleton Castle
• The John Muir Country Park . . . plus many more impressive sights.

To help you, the trail is fully signposted in both directions. Look for the John Muir Way logo on signposts to stay on track.

Note: The John Muir Way official website (as of spring 2026) is offline. At the time of writing, the web address redirects to an information page on the John Muir Trust website.

Gallery – what you’ll see along the route

Images by Adrian Mahoney

Videos

Explore Scotland coast to coast

John Muir Way Explore Falkirk

John Muir Way: Explore Central Scotland’s Wild Side

John Muir Way: Explore Scotland’s History & Heritage

John Muir Way: A journey of coastlines and waterways

Unhurried – Scotland coast to coast on John Muir Way

Audio / podcasts

• Open Country: The John Muir Way (BBC Sounds)

• Scotland Outdoors: The John Muir (BBC Sounds)

Stay at Spoke ‘n’ Boot

Spoke ’n’ Boot Camping Pods are on the outskirts of Falkirk – around the mid-point of the John Muir Way.

We offer a convenient overnight stop for walkers and cyclists. You can reach us easily from the Canada Wood / Bantaskine Estate section of the trail. Whether you are travelling solo, with friends, or as a family, our farm road is a short detour from the main walking and cycling routes.

Get directions

Book your stay

Why walkers and cyclists stay with us

No need to put up a tent. You can stay in one of four camping pods. We also provide:

• hot showers
• a place to dry your clothes
• secure overnight bike storage
• a quiet, rural setting for a deep sleep

Plan your stopover

We recommend booking ahead during busy months. Most guests aim to arrive in Falkirk by mid-afternoon.

If you arrive in the rain, you can use our Byre to warm up and dry your kit. But remember to bring a head torch if you plan to arrive near dusk. You can also order food for delivery if you do not want to cook.

We can help you plan the next stage of your journey or give advice on local transport.

Things to do on a rest day

If you take a rest day, you can explore these nearby sites:

• The Falkirk Wheel
• The Kelpies and Helix Park
• The Antonine Wall and Rough Castle
• Callendar House (pictured below).

Falkirk High station is nearby. You can take a fast train to Edinburgh or Glasgow from there. Get more information on the local area here