The Route

Helensburgh to Balloch

Length: 9 miles, 14.4 km   

The start/finish of the route is marked by a circular stone plinth with engraved footprints and a white stone bench with John Muir quotes, located on Helensburgh's waterfront near the pier. Starting out from this seaside holiday town is a treat.

Balloch to Strathblane

Length: 18.5 miles, 29.6 km   

Make your way through Balloch Castle Country Park taking in the fantastic views from the shores of Loch Lomond. The walking route then takes you over the Kilpatrick Hills giving an upland experience and real sense of wildness.

Strathblane to Kilsyth

Length: 13 miles, 20.8 km   

This leg is a 13-mile stretch, one of the longer sections, but most of those miles are flat and easier going than the previous two sections.

Kilsyth to Falkirk

Length: 13 miles, 20.8 km   

East of Kilsyth, the trail meets the Forth and Clyde Canal, which in John Muir’s time provided a busy shipping link between the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Clyde. Now the canals are cherished places to enjoy quiet fishing, cycling or just messing about on the water.

Falkirk to Linlithgow

Length: 8.5 miles, 13.6 km   

Falkirk is home to a bustling pedestrianised town centre and hosts the Falkirk Wheel and The Helix, two of Scotland’s most well-known tourist attractions.

Linlithgow to South Queensferry

Length: 14 miles, 22.4 km   

Leaving the historic town of Linlithgow, the route takes you through some wonderfully rural countryside. The Fisherrow walk (or Fishers' Brae) gives you superb views and was used by wives of fishermen travelling between Bo'ness and Linlithgow to sell their catches.

South Queensferry to Edinburgh

Length: 15.5 miles, 24.8 km   

South Queensferry affords you superb views of all three of Scotland's famous Forth bridges; be sure to get out at sunset (or dawn if you’re keen) to capture them at their best.

Edinburgh to Prestonpans

Length: 10 miles, 16 km   

Once you’ve immersed yourself in the wealth of sightseeing and dining opportunities, you can then leave Edinburgh via Musselburgh. Be sure to take in a horse race or two at Musselburgh Racecourse, if only for the spectacle, before joining the coast and its wading wildlife.

Prestonpans to North Berwick

Length: 16.5 miles, 26.4 km   

Beyond Prestonpans with its battle site and rich industrial heritage the route runs past the site where Cockenzie Power Station used to stand. It then heads off east to Seton Sands and lovely long beach views.

North Berwick to Dunbar

Length: 15 miles, 24 km   

Leaving North Berwick southwards provides you with an opportunity to climb North Berwick Law, giving great views of the town, Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, Tantallon Castle and the Bass Rock. The summit has historically sported whale jawbones and when the last ones decayed, fibre-glass replicas were installed.