Sunday 21st April 2013 marked a year from the launch of the John Muir Trail and much of the work has already been completed.
The new long-distance route will open on John Muir’s birthday on 21st April 2014 and forms part of the celebrations to mark the centenary of the Scots-born naturalist’s death. The John Muir Trail will link Muir’s birthplace in Dunbar to Helensburgh via Scotland’s first National Park – Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. The trail will celebrate his life, promote his ideas and provide a memorable walking experience.
The 105 mile (169km) trail will follow some existing routes such as the John Muir Way in East Lothian. In other sections, new paths are being created. The route will enable walkers, cyclists and horse riders to easily visit some of the most beautiful coastal scenery, sweeping landscapes, wildlife sites and historic visitor attractions across Scotland’s heartland.
Although the full route is not yet open, there have been many local path improvements, giving walkers and cyclists a boost already. The route has now been confirmed all the way between Dunbar in the east and Strathblane in the west, and between Balloch and Helensburgh. The section between Strathblane and Balloch is being finalised. The route will be waymarked with The John Muir Trail signs, and a website, book, leaflets and map will give people all the information they need to complete part or all of the trail.
Not only will the new route celebrate Muir’s life and achievements, but it will also create significant and lasting economic benefit. A study commissioned by SNH estimates that some 700 jobs could be created over the first five years of the route’s existence and contribute £25 million to the local economy.
RELATED LINKS
www.snh.gov.uk
www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland