It will connect Scotland coast-to-coast in the memory of one of the greatest-ever naturalists and will create or protect around 1100 jobs in the process.
The John Muir Trail is being heralded as the next big walking route in Scotland, after the West Highland Way and the Southern Uplands Way, with hikers due to first tread the 100-mile path in 2014 to coincide with both the Commonwealth Games and the centenary of Muir's death.
Starting at his birthplace of Dunbar, East Lothian, and ending in Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute – close to where Muir set sail for America in the mid-19th century – the route will cross Scotland's most populated areas, bringing the great outdoors closer to millions in the central belt.
It is expected to channel an extra £42 million into local economies in the first five years and support hundreds of jobs.
Muir, in the process, will become a major brand for Scotland with the route echoing the John Muir Trail through the Sierra Nevada in California, where he is lauded for saving Yosemite and Sequoia national parks.
The Scottish version – devised by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Central Scotland Green Network – will pass by notable landmarks, such as Dunbar Castle, Arthur's Seat, the Forth bridges, Linlithgow Palace, the Falkirk Wheel and the Helensburgh's Hill House.
The cost of creating the John Muir Trail is £895,000 – relatively low because many existing paths were incorporated into the new route. Ron McCraw, SNH recreation and access manager, said: "The John Muir Way that already exists in East Lothian is well-loved and well-used, and an extended coast-to-coast route will give even more people a chance to enjoy our beautiful countryside."
Some 1.86 million people already visit various sections of the route, spending £36.8m a year, mainly in the East Lothian and Falkirk area. It is expected the new way will draw thousands more people, spending a further £8.83m a year.
Walkers will spend around six-nights completing the 100-mile coast-to-coast hike with predictions that some 9309 people will complete the trail during the first year.
Helen Todd, development officer for the Ramblers Association in Scotland, said: "It is going to be close to millions of people and will make them aware just what is available in their own area.."
Stuart Brooks, chief executive of the John Muir Trust, said: "A route across Scotland leading people to enjoy wild places will be a huge asset. It will also raise the profile of John Muir, one of our most inspirational sons."
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