The John Muir Way has officially been recognised as one of Scotland’s Great Trails.

The 134-mile route which runs between Helensburgh and John Muir’s birthplace of Dunbar on the east coast, now 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 awarded to accolade by Scottish Natural Heritage. Since it’s 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 sought after status.

The route echoes 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 castles, 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 walkers from as far afield as the US, Canada, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands.

There is a growing understanding in Scotland of Muir’s significance throughout the world and the award of ‘Scotland’s Great Trail’ status will help to further raise awareness of both Muir and the route.

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