A PICTURESQUE coast-to-coast walking route named after Scotland's greatest conservationist has earned its place among the country's top trails.
The 134-mile John Muir Way which runs from Helensburgh to Dunbar in East Lothian has been given Great Trail Status to join other world-famous paths which have previously been honoured with the prestigious award.
The John Muir Way is the 28th long distance route to be given the accolade by Scottish Natural Heritage, alongside trails like the West Highland Way and Southern Upland Way.
Muir is regarded as the founder of nature conservation is also known as the "father of national parks" after spearheading the creation of Yosemite in the US as a protected parkland.
Since the route's launch in April 2014, which marked the centenary year of the Scots-born conservationist’s death, it has fulfilled the key criteria to earn the highly sought after status, SNH said.
The route echoes Muir’s own personal journey growing up in Scotland’s east coast town of Dunbar before travelling to the west coast where he set sail for life in America.
The John Muir Way takes in castles, historic towns and villages, stunning coastal scenery as well as Scotland’s first national park, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, and has attracted both walkers and cyclists from as far afield as the US, Canada, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands.
Keith Geddes, chairman of the Central Scotland Green Network Trust, said: “By raising awareness of Muir’s legacy we hope to inspire today’s youngsters - and Scots in general - to join the fight against climate change and help preserve our planet.
“There is a growing understanding in Scotland of Muir’s significance throughout the world and the award of ‘Scotland’s Great Trail’ status will help to further raise awareness of both Muir and the route.
"The John Muir Way has proved to be popular with locals going out for a short walk, for those long distance walkers who complete the route on consecutive days or over several visits and to hundreds of visitors from abroad, particularly from Muir’s adopted homeland wanting to learn more about Muir’s life in Dunbar.”
Ian Ross, SNH chairman, said: “The coast-to-coast route is the second longest of our great trails and, spanning central Scotland, it is easily accessible for millions of people living here.
"The John Muir Way is also another excellent outdoor tourism asset for Scotland and we hope the award helps to attract many more visitors over the coming years.
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