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John Muir Way Tour2024-04-23T13:28:51+01:00

John Muir Way Tour

John Muir Way Tour

Guided Walks in Argyll, Scotland

Guided Walks in John Muir Way, Argyll & Bute, Scotland

John Muir Way Tour

Argyll Walks run a multi-staged guided day walks enabling locals and visitors to come together to complete one of Scotland’s Great Trails. To Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of John Muir Way in 2024/25

John Muir Way Tour

Argyll Walks run a multi-staged guided day walks enabling locals and visitors to come together to complete one of Scotland’s Great Trails. To Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of John Muir Way in 2024/25

The John Muir Way is a134 mile long-distance route that was designed for everyone to use. A series of 14 full day walks is being led by experience local guide Gerena. It is a coast-to-coast route beginning at Helensburgh in the west and with Dunbar in the east. It was developed by the Scottish Natural Heritage and was launched by Scotland’s first minister as part of the John Muir Festival in April 2014. John Muir ‘the father of national parks’ in America was born in Dunbar. Guided walks are a great way to see Scotland’s landscapes, history, and heritage. Gerena looks at John Muir’s life, legacy, and the increasingly popular John Muir Way.

Guided Walks in John Muir Way, Argyll & Bute, Scotland

You can enjoy these spectacular walks without the logistical headaches. These walks are organised by Argyll Walks enabling people to come together in small groups to complete some of the longer trails across Scotland. Each walk is led by an experienced local guide who are familiar with the route, and show you the must-see highlights, as well as the hidden gems we’ve uncovered. We provide information on different aspects of interest and feature a different theme each month. These guided walks are a favourite among history, bird watchers, photographers, and geology buffs across the central belt of Scotland.

As with all John Muir Way guided day walks, no dogs are allowed. A charge is made to cover the cost of car sharing to the driver if no public transport by Scotrail or Citylink Scotland is available.

The walks must be prebooked and paid for in advance. The walks are very popular and anyone who is interested is advised to book as early as possible. So, all you need to do is walk and enjoy the journey, knowing we’ve sorted the logistics, and we’ll show you all there is to see to fully explore the John Muir Way.

What’s Included?

  • All walks are organised for your benefit, we’ve checked the routes, plan travel arrangements, navigating, so you can relax and enjoy without the worry.
  • Everyone who books a stage of John Muir Way will receive a free JMW Passport (worth £5)
  • A free completer certificate from JMW when all stamps collected over the route or a free personalised e-certificate straight to your inbox.
  • Local knowledge on some of the routes and other organisations to help with a special interest.
  • Meet other people that are solo, couples or groups who have a common interest.
  • Walk stages take place on a Sunday, once a month for 14 months, between June 2024 to July 2025. Walk dates listed below.
  • Explore the John Muir Way and book individual sections of your choice.

2024/25 Dates

  1. Sunday 30th June 2024 | Helensburgh to Balloch
  2. Sunday 14th July 2024 | Balloch to Edenmill Café 
  3. Sunday 18th August 2024 | Lennoxtown to Edenmill Café
  4. Sunday 22nd September 2024 | Lennoxtown to Croy
  5. Sunday 20th October 2024 | Croy to Falkirk
  6. Sunday 17th November 2024 |Falkirk to Linlithgow
  7. Sunday 8th December 2024 | Blackness Castle to Linlithgow
  8. Sunday 26th January 2025 | Blackness Castle to South Queensferry
  9. Sunday 23rd February 2025| South Queensferry to Edinburgh Zoo
  10. Sunday 23rd March 2025 | Edinburgh Zoo to Brunstane
  11. Sunday 27th April 2025 | Brunstane to Longniddry
  12. Sunday 25th May 2025 | Longniddry to North Berwick
  13. Sunday 22nd June 2025 | North Berwick to East Linton
  14. Sunday 20th July 2025 | East Linton to Dunbar

John Muir Way Tour – Book Individual Stages

Individual stage tickets are – £28 per stage. These tickets will be available until our maximum group size of 15. This ticket also includes a John Muir Way Passport (worth £5). More information about each stage, including grading levels from C, C+, B terrain and what to expect on the walk down below.

Argyll Walks

Testimonials from previous attendees on Argyll Walks

Testimonials from previous attendees on Argyll Walks

“Gerena was a super guide on our walk, informative, skilled, and fun. I shall certainly book again, when I return to the area, the morning was a highlight of my holiday, giving a unique perspective in almost beautiful landscape”.

“We had a lovely walk with Gerena, and she even met us at the bus to prevent missteps in following our phone maps to the village! For a brief walk it was full of history and gave us a great intro to the area. She’s clearly passionate and it shows. Thank-you for a wonderful experience!”

“This tour was superb, excellent, lovely!! The weather was rainy, but I didn’t care because the stories and views are too gorgeous to notice bad weather. Gerena is a perfect guide. If I know anyone visiting the area, I’ll be sure to recommend this”.

“Excellent introduction to Scotland! Gerena is very knowledgeable and engaging. She provided excellent context for us! Would highly recommend!!”

“Gerena gave my two daughters and I a spectacular tour. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Thank-you!”

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get to the start point on each stage?2024-04-22T12:51:55+01:00

If possible, to use public transport to get to the start and finish of each stage of the John Muir Way. Bring your own car if you have access and leave it at the end point and use public transport to get to the start. For stages 2, 3,7,8 there are options for carshare or taxi share so that the walks are not too long and can stop for longer at points of interest. Please note that transport costs are not included in the ticket price.

Full details of travel options will be given by email before the walk.

Can I bring my dog?2024-04-22T12:51:29+01:00

These guided walks are not suitable for dogs as we enter farmlands and livestock.

Can I bring children?2024-04-22T12:50:59+01:00

It would be suitable for children over the age of 16+ and can walk 4-6 hours, sometimes in very harsh conditions due to rain, wind, and cool temperatures.

How do I find out about meeting point and start time?2024-04-22T12:50:33+01:00

One week before walk date an email will be sent out to all who have booked with meeting points and times. Generally, walks will start between 10am and 12pm.

 

How fit do I need to be on these walks?2024-04-22T12:50:06+01:00

Distance, difficulty gradings and route information are described below:

Grade C

Easy: a maximum of 4 hours to cover 7.5 miles with minimal ascent on paths/tracks/roads always at a comfortable pace.

Grade C+

Easy to moderate: typically, up to 300m ascent (gentle gradients) 5.5-7.5 miles or up to 10 miles on flatter walks which should take 4-5 hours. Suitable for anyone with average fitness/limited walking experience.

Grade B

Moderate: usually on paths/tracks, 300-600m ascent (with possibly some steep sections) 6-10 miles or up to 12.5miles on flatter walks. Expect to be walking for 5-6 hours.

What to wear and bring?2024-04-22T12:49:24+01:00

Our weather is changeable, from surprisingly cold to roasting and anything in between! Please dress accordingly. Please bring water, hot drinks, snacks/lunch, gloves, woolly hats, spare socks, sunhats, sunglasses, sun cream, walking poles. Be sure to bring cash on you to pay for gratuities. Have £5 in coins for car/taxi sharing.

Cancellation Policy

In the event of cancellation by the guide before the walk, a full refund will be given, or if possible, the walk rescheduled. Should the itinerary (route) change on the day or be curtailed on safety or welfare grounds (e.g. adverse weather conditions), no refund will be given. The fee is not refundable in the event of the cancellation by the participants.

Risk

The guide shall take every step to ensure the safety and welfare of the group, but participants should be aware that walking trails carry a risk of injury. The guide of long-distance walks has over 20 years of experience of leading, organising and operates under a set of standard operating procedures and carries out rigorous risk assessments for each walk.

Schedule| Distance | Grade Level

John Muir Way- Explore Scotland’s Wildness in 14 Stages| 14 Months| 123 Miles

Stage 1 John Muir Way  Helensburgh to Balloch

Stage 1 Helensburgh to Balloch Grade C+

Time: 10:30am Sunday 30th June 2024

Distance/Duration/Ascent: 8miles/4.5 hours/352m

Start/Finish: Helensburgh/Balloch

A moderate walk to Way start point on Helensburgh esplanade. We will walk past some beautiful Victorian villas to ascend path into Camis Eskan woods. History of the Clan Colquhoun with guide on the path to Darleith Muir, then Stoneymollan old Coffin Route. Stunning views over Loch Lomond and finishing at the picturesque village of Balloch.

Stage 2 John Muir Way Balloch to Edenmill Cafe

Stage 2 Balloch to Edenmill Café Grade B

Time: 10:00am Sunday 14th July 2024

Distance/Duration/Ascent: 12 miles/6.5 hours/421m

Start/Finish: Balloch/Edenmill Café

Car shuffle to end of walk, donation of £2.60 each to driver

A scenic walk through Balloch Castle Country Park. Walk along NCN7 cycle path towards Gartochan with views across Ben Lomond and Loch Lomond. Emerge into open moorland with a glimpse of Burncrook Reservoir. Opportunity for refreshments at Edenmill Café. Car transport back to Balloch.

Stage 3 John Muir Way Lennoxtown to Edenmill Cafe

Stage 3 Lennoxtown to Edenmill Café Grade C+

Time: 10:30am Sunday 18th August 2024

Distance/Duration/Ascent: 8.5 miles/4.5 hours/202m

Start/Finish: Lennoxtown/Edenmill Café

Car shuffle to end of walk, donation of £2.60 each to driver

Explore the fascinating history of Strathkelvin Railway and go closer to the volcanic plug of Dunglass. Hear goldfinches in hedgerows. Take in stunning views of the Campsie hills. It continues to Carbeth Huts and loch back to Edenmill Café for refreshments. Car transport back to Lennoxtown.

Stage 4 John Muir Way Lennoxtown to Croy

Stage 4 Lennoxtown to Croy Grade C+

Time: 10:30am Sunday 22nd September 2024

Distance/Duration/Ascent: 10miles/5.5 hours/172m

Start/Finish: Lennoxtown/Croy

Walk along the Forth & Clyde Canal with views towards the Campsie Hills, then through a circular tunnel and old railway. There is plenty of waterfowl to look at and hedgerow berries. A pleasant section of tranquil canals with added interest of Roman fort, bathhouse and Antonine Wall. Auchinstarry Marina nearby for refreshments.

Stage 5 John Muir Way Croy to Falkirk

Stage 5 Croy to Falkirk Grade B

Time: 10:30 am Sunday 20th October 2024

Distance/Duration/Ascent: 12miles/6 hours/280m

Start/Finish: Croy/Falkirk

A historic walk around roman ruins of Rough Castle and extensive views from Croy Hill. Also, great engineering history with Forth & Clyde Canal with its Radical Pend. As we follow the canal to end with the highlight of the Falkirk Wheel. Refreshments nearby.

Stage 6  John Muir Way Falkirk to Linlithgow

Stage 6 Falkirk to Linlithgow Grade C+

Time: 10:30 am Sunday 17th November 2024

Distance/Duration/Ascent: 8.5 miles/4.5 hours/293m

Start/Finish: Falkirk/Linlithgow

A pleasant walk mostly on Union Canal and river paths with lots of interest, from the Renaissance splendour of Callendar House to the impressive Victorian Avon Aqueduct, culminating at Linlithgow Palace.

Stage 7 John Muir Way Blackness Castle to Linlithgow

Stage 7 Blackness Castle to Linlithgow Grade C+

Time: 11:30 am Sunday 8th December 2024

Distance/Duration/Ascent: 8 miles/4.5 hours/Ascent 320m

Start/Finish: Blackness Castle/Linlithgow

Taxi Share £16 one way to Blackness Castle for 5 people from Linlithgow.

Starting with the imposing ruins of Blackness Castle, a fortress and prison known as the ship. Following the shore path with views across Firth of Forth to Fife in the distance. We reach Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway a steam driven standard locomotive. Attractions include Linlithgow Palace and St Michael’s Church. Return to Linlithgow.

Stage 8 John Muir Way Blackness Castle to South Queensferry

Stage 8 Blackness Castle to South Queensferry Grade C 

Time: 11.30 am Sunday 26th January 2025

Distance/Duration/Ascent: 6 miles/3.5 hours/144m

Start/Finish: Blackness Castle/South Queensferry

Taxi Share £16 one way to Blackness Castle for 5 people from South Queensferry.

An easy coastal walk from Blackness Castle built by the powerful Crichton family in the 15th century. The Way follows along a deer park road with the impressive view of the back of Hopetoun House. Regarded as one of Scotland’s finest stately homes. We converge with woodlands and shore road into South Queensferry. You will see Queensferry crossing and views across all three bridges. Return to South Queensferry.

Stage 9 John Muir Way South Queensferry to Edinburgh Zoo

Stage 9 South Queensferry to Edinburgh Zoo Grade C+

Time: 11:30am Sunday 23rd February 2025

Distance/Duration/Ascent: 8.5miles/5 hours/333m

Start/Finish: South Queensferry/Edinburgh Zoo

The Way steps onto cobbles and passes vennels and crow-stepped gables through historic South Queensferry. Some surprisingly hilly parts as it meanders along the cycle paths and Union canal towpath. Views to Crammond Island on the Firth of Forth and the Forth Road Bridge. Climb up to Clermiston Tower built in 1871 as a memorial to Sir Walter Scott.

Stage 10 John Muir Way Edinburgh Zoo to Brunstane

Stage 10 Edinburgh Zoo to Brunstane Grade C+

Time: 11am Sunday 23rd March 2025

Distance/Duration/Ascent: 8.5 miles/4.5 hours/251m

Start/Finish: Edinburgh Zoo/Brunstane

Moderate walking towards Murrayfield stadium then follows a riverside path to Slateford Aqueduct. A quick stop at Water of Leith Visitor Centre. Good views towards Arthur’s Seat an ancient volcano. Next, we travel on a disused Innocent Railway when it was a horse drawn era. Then a beech lined path leads you to Brunstane station. 

Stage 11 John Muir Way Brunstane to Longniddry 

Stage 11 Brunstane to Longniddry Grade C+

Time: 11:30 am Sunday 27th April 2025

Distance/Duration/Ascent: 9.5 miles/5 hours/108m

Start/Finish: Brunstane/Longniddry

From Brunstane station go through some woodland, open fields, and a golf course. Entering East Lothian home of the Saltire, Scotland’s sovereign flag, in use since AD832.Pass Fisherrow harbour and sandy beach with views across Forth to Fife and North Berwick Law. The river Esk is home to many mute swans and waterfowl and behind you to Arthur’s Seat. If time allows, we will stop at the Prestongrange Museum to hear about the Battle of Prestonpans on 21 September 1745.

Stage 12 John Muir Way Longniddry to North Berwick

Stage 12 Longniddry to North Berwick Grade C+

Time: 11am Sunday 25th May 2025

Distance/Duration/Ascent: 10 miles/5.5 hours/143m

Start/Finish: Longniddry/North Berwick

At Longniddry Bents, a 3km strip of coastal grassland, foredune and beach to appreciate. The Way continues along the coastline when the path takes you past the impressive entrance to Gosford House. A stop to view inside Aberlady Kirk dates from 1482 which features superb stain glass. There are fine views of Fidra now a RSPB reserve and maybe the inspiration for R L. Stevenson’s Treasure Island.

Stage 13 John Muir Way North Berwick to East Linton

Stage 13 North Berwick to East Linton Grade C

Time: 11:30am Sunday 22nd June 2025

Distance/Duration/Ascent: 6.5 miles/4 hours/163m

Start/Finish: North Berwick/East Linton

We will pass North Berwick Law a remnant of an ancient volcano, a lava plug exposed since the last ice age. The Way enters woods then, field edges you can catch glimpses of the sea and to North Berwick Law. East Lothian’s Preston Mill is a very famous landmark managed by the National Trust. On the Way we cross the river you notice the beehive shape of Phantassie Doocot (dovecote with 544 nest boxes).

Stage 14 John Muir Way East Linton to Dunbar

Stage 14 East Linton to Dunbar Grade C

Time: 12pm Sunday 20th July 2025

Distance/Duration/Ascent: 7 miles/4 hours/100m

Start/Finish: East Linton/Dunbar

Follow the river downstream on a stretch of glorious weeping willows. A steady field path for 600m that takes you to a hedgerow of noisy yellow hammers. Enter the John Muir Country Park with various habitats salt marsh, coastland woodland. Many bird species to see depending on the season and tides. We take the clifftop trail to enjoy the sea views including the distant Isle of May, an important bird sanctuary. To finish the Way a visit to John Muir’s birthplace is a must and to collect all our stamps in the passport.

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