John Muir Way

Overview

The route is named after the world-renowned conservationist and founder of America's National Parks who was born in Dunbar in 1838. It also forms part of the North Sea Trail.

The John Muir Way currently extends from Fisherrow Harbour in Musselburgh to the village of Gullane, a distance of 22 kilometers; and in the east the Way runs for 25 kilometers from East Linton to Dunglass. much of this latter section is quiet and secluded and runs along grass paths or parts of the beach, and it is recommended that you take stout footwear and waterproof clothing if you plan to tackle this section. During exceptional tides the section along the beach between Bilsdean and Dunglass may be impassable for a short period.

Three leaflets are currently available for the Way describing the history and nature that can be seen on the route. They are available from tourist information centres,directly from East Lothian Council,and also downloadable from www.eastlothian.gov.uk

There are many options for walking the Way. It can be walked in short sections as 'day walks' with public transport available at many points along the route to return you to your starting point; or you may wish to walk a section as part of a circular route combining with other paths joining the Way. It is anticipated that the whole 70km of the route will be open soon.

The neighbouring local authority, Scottish Borders Council, have plans to connect their coastal path and the long-distance walk, The Southern Upland Way, into the John Muir Way. This will allow people to take advantage of the train station and accommodation in Dunbar.