Canals, rivers, farmland, and open coast linking Scotland from sea to sea
The John Muir Way crosses central Scotland from Helensburgh on the Firth of Clyde to Dunbar on the North Sea, creating a coast-to-coast journey through canals, river corridors, farmland, woodland, and shoreline. Named after the conservationist John Muir, who was born in Dunbar, the route links towns and countryside along a continuous east–west line.
Walking here is shaped by accessibility rather than remoteness. Long sections follow the towpaths of the Forth & Clyde Canal and the Union Canal, where flat, firm surfaces allow steady progress. Between canal stretches, the route uses park paths, riverside tracks, minor roads, and field paths to connect settlements and open ground.
The landscape changes frequently. Early stages near Helensburgh feel coastal and wooded, before the route enters the Clyde corridor and passes through urban green spaces around Glasgow. Further east, the trail returns to farmland and open countryside before reaching the broad shoreline of the Firth of Forth and the beaches approaching Dunbar.
Settlements appear regularly, providing frequent services and transport links. This creates a practical rhythm to the walk, with short gaps between towns rather than long isolated sections. The trail often feels connected and lived-in, reflecting the populated belt of central Scotland.
The appeal of the John Muir Way lies in its variety. It offers a complete cross-country journey that moves gradually between coast, canal, countryside, and shore, giving a broad view of Scotland’s central landscapes without significant climbing or technical terrain.
Trail Overview
Distance
Approximately 134 miles / 215 km
Typical time on foot
8–10 days
Start
Helensburgh, Argyll & Bute
Finish
Dunbar, East Lothian
Terrain
Canal towpaths, gravel paths, park trails, farmland tracks, minor roads, riverside sections, coastal paths, towns and villages
