John Muir Way

Helensburgh is a Victorian seaside resort, famous for its wide tree-lined streets and Charles Rennie Mackintosh architecture.

Today you’ll depart the coast and make your way to world-famous Loch Lomond. Don’t miss the chance to visit The Hill House en route – the former home of Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Shortly after leaving Helensburgh, a climb up Gouk Hill will provide stunning views over Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond. You will soon reach the ‘Bonnie Banks’ at its most southern tip.

Pass through Balloch Castle Country Park which boasts landscaped gardens, and then break out into open country. Continue uphill through forest to the remote and lonely Burncrooks Reservoir, surrounded by open moorland. Today’s walk finishes at the village of Strathblane, nestling under the Campsie Fells.

From Strathblane the way travels through more open ground and woodland, passes Lennoxtown, and makes its way into Kirkintilloch along Glazert Water. Most of the day the Campsie Fells are still in sight. At Kirkintilloch join the towpath of the Forth & Clyde Canal which will take you past Twechar and on to Auchinstarry. Make sure to visit the ruins of Bar Hill Fort on the Roman Antonine Wall – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After a short climb up Croy Hill to see more of the Roman Antonine Wall, today’s section is characterised by canal towpath. Follow the Forth & Clyde Canal for a long tranquil stretch, descending through a few locks. The route diverges briefly from the towpath to take you to Rough Castle Roman Fort, but soon rejoins the Forth & Clyde at the point it meets the Union Canal; at the famous Falkirk Wheel.

From Falkirk make your way into the historic Callendar Park and House, followed by Callendar Wood. A further stretch on the Union Canal takes the route past Polmont and subsequently onto the impressive Avon Aqueduct – the tallest and longest aqueduct in Scotland.

Another stretch of water, this time the River Avon, winds its way down into Linlithgow, where a small detour from the official Way will take you to the magnificent ruins of Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.

A day of historical interest as you head northwards from Linlithgow, past the Bo’Mains Meadow Wildlife Reserve, Kinneil House, the Bo’Ness & Kinneil Railway, before emerging at the shore of the Firth of Forth.

A shore section takes the route to the imposing Blackness Castle, which was used in the filming of Outlander, then on to Hopetoun House – Scotland’s grandest stately home. End the day in the pleasant town of South Queensferry, in the shadow of the iconic Forth Bridges.

This long section begins with a woodland and coastal stretch along the Forth shore, passing Dalmeny House with views to Cramond Island, before entering Edinburgh’s suburbs. Leafy avenues and a golf course are followed by a climb up Corstorphine Hill, with views down to the city centre.

The Water of Leith Walkway takes the route to the impressive Slateford Aqueduct, where you are reunited with the Union Canal. Follow the towpath as far as Lochrin Basin where the route strikes uphill to the green and leafy Meadows Park, dominated by views of Edinburgh Castle.

Today you will leave Edinburgh and the Meadows behind and head towards Arthur’s Seat – it is well worth taking a detour to climb this peak (251m) to enjoy one of the best views of the city. The Innocent Cycleway and then Brunstane Burn Path return you to the Firth of Forth at Musselburgh’s sandy beach.

Make your way to Prestonpans along the coast, a habitat for numerous wading birds, and onwards to Port Seton, which still maintains a small fishing fleet.

From Port Seton, the beaches of Seton and Gosford Sands provide open views, before the route cuts inland past the mansion of Gosford House, and on to the picturesque village of Aberlady. Wind your way through hedgerow-lined farmland, past the ruins of Saltcoats and Dirleton castles, ending the day in the seaside town of North Berwick.

This morning you could pay a visit to the excellent Scottish Seabird Centre at North Berwick Harbour, before beginning the final stage of the John Muir Way by striking inland past North Berwick Law.

The route follows good paths and country lanes through more farmland to East Linton, past the 17th century Preston Mill, and along the River Tyne to John Muir Country Park.

The final stretch winds its way along sandstone cliff tops and into Dunbar, where the John Muir Way ends at the great man’s birthplace.

After breakfast, you will start your journey home after a wonderful walking holiday on the John Muir Way.