10 day John Muir Way
A scenic coast-to-coast walk across central Scotland. Designed with comfortable daily distances and varied landscapes.
Debbie 10 day John Muir Way
The John Muir Way is a coast-to-coast walking route across central Scotland, linking Helensburgh with Dunbar.
This 10-day itinerary is designed for comfortable daily walking, offering a varied mix of coastline, countryside, canals, and historic towns.
Varied Daily Walking Routes
Walk through a mix of coast, countryside, canals, and historic towns across central Scotland.
Comfortable Daily Distances
A well-paced 10-day itinerary designed for steady and enjoyable walking.
Rich History & Landscapes
Follow the route inspired by John Muir, with nature, wildlife, and cultural highlights along the way.
Ideal for Long-Distance Walkers
Perfect for walkers looking for a rewarding multi-day trail without rushing each day.
You walk lightly with a small daypack.
We take care of the rest.
Accomodation
5 Star Hotel
Meals
Breakfast & Dinner
Animal
Cat, Pet only
Season
Winter Season
Start
7th August
Finish
Glasgow
Distance
~134 miles
Duration
1 hr
Difficulty
Moderate
First-timers, relaxed pace walkers
Best for
The 2026 season runs from 22 March to 19 October.
offering self-guided walking and cycling holidays.
Day-by-Day Walking Plan
Select your preferred itinerary to see what each day has in store. Select
a package above to see your detailed itinerary
- Begin your John Muir Way adventure at Helensburgh Pier.
- Walk along wide, leafy streets leaving the town.
- Optional detour to visit Hill House, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
- Follow well-signposted John Muir Way route along pavements, gravel tracks, grassy paths and quiet roads.
- Leave Balloch and walk through scenic countryside and woodland trails.=
- Leave Balloch and walk through scenic countryside and woodland trails.
- Pass through picturesque villages such as Balmaha.
- Terrain varies from well-maintained paths to uneven countryside tracks, with some moderate uphill sections.
- Leave Strathblane and enter Mugdock Country Park, a beautiful green space with woodland trails and a historic castle.
- Continue through open countryside with peaceful rural surroundings.
- Enjoy views of the Campsie Fells, rising dramatically to the north.
- Terrain includes paths, fields, minor roads, and gentle ascents and descents.
- Walk along largely flat and well-maintained canal towpaths.
- Follow the Forth & Clyde Canal, making for an easy and relaxing day.
- Approach Falkirk and visit the iconic Falkirk Wheel, a unique rotating boat lift.
- Explore remains of the Antonine Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Walk through a mix of urban areas, parkland and open countryside.
- Mostly flat terrain on pavements and walking paths.
- Arrive in the historic town of Linlithgow.
- Visit Linlithgow Palace and enjoy the peaceful setting beside Linlithgow Loch.
- Walk through a combination of countryside paths, quiet roads and urban sections.
- Walk through a combination of countryside paths, quiet roads and urban sections.
- Approach South Queensferry with spectacular views of the Forth Bridges, including the iconic Forth Rail Bridge.
- Explore the charming waterfront town with its cafés and historic streets.
- Follow the coastline through parks, promenades and urban paths.
- Cross the Forth Road Bridge, enjoying panoramic views.
- Walk towards Edinburgh with impressive skyline views, including Edinburgh Castle.
- Finish the day in Scotland’s vibrant capital city.
- Leave Edinburgh along coastal paths.
- Walk past Portobello Beach, enjoying sea views across the Firth of Forth.
- Continue through scenic coastal landscapes.
- Approach Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve, rich in birdlife and natural beauty.
- Follow coastal trails with sandy beaches and rocky sections.
- Pass the beautiful Yellowcraig Beach.
- Enjoy views of the iconic Bass Rock, home to thousands of seabirds.
- Arrive in the seaside town of North Berwick, with attractions such as the Scottish Seabird Centre.
- Walk along the rugged East Lothian coastline.
- Pass sandy beaches, grassy paths and dramatic cliffs.
- Look out for the ruins of Tantallon Castle along the way.
- Finish your John Muir Way adventure in Dunbar, a historic harbour town.
Whats Included in This Package
Everything you need for a smooth and well-organised 10-day walk on the John Muir Way.
Accommodation, luggage transfers, route guidance, and support are included so you can focus on the journey.
10 nights accommodation along the John Muir Way
10 nights in comfortable, walker-friendly accommodation along the route.
Daily luggage transfers between overnight stops
Your main bag is transferred each day so you walk light.
Carefully planned 10-day walking itinerary
A well-balanced route designed for enjoyable daily walking.
Detailed route notes and maps
Clear guidance to help you navigate each day’s walk.
Emergency contact support during your walk
Help available if you need assistance along the route.
Local knowledge and expert planning
Routes planned by people who know the John Muir Way well.
Comfortable daily walking distances
Daily distances designed to avoid long or tiring days.
Customer support before and during your trip
Friendly assistance to help you prepare and walk with confidence.
Baggage
Walk Light – We Move Your Bags
Enjoy your walk without the weight of a heavy backpack.
First Day Drop-off
Milngavie Station: 08:00 – 09:00
Premier Inn: 07:45
Important Limits
Max Weight: 20kg per bag
No loose items (boots attached etc.)
Why Walk With Highland Transfers
We have helped thousands of walkers complete the West Highland Way — here is why they choose us.
12K+
Bags moved every season
Experts of Scotlands Trails
Carbon-Conscious Company
Hundreds of 5-star Reviews
15+Years
Experience in Scottish routes
Effortless Luggage Transfers
Support When You Need It
Accommodation Planning
Trusted by Walkers & Cyclists Worldwide
Your adventure matters — that’s why we handle the details, support you on the journey, and make exploring Scotland simple, safe and unforgettable.
Health & Safety Information
Insurance: We highly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers hiking activities.
Connectivity: Mobile signal can be patchy in remote sections like Rannoch Moor.
Emergency: Dial 999 for emergencies. Our support team is available for logistical issues.
FREE Essential Guide
Complete Guide for the John Muir Way
Get the full day-by-day itinerary, packing checklist, and route maps , everything you need in a single PDF.
No spam. One guide. That’s it.
FAQS
Everything you need to know about 10 day John Muir Way before booking your adventure
1. Is the full John Muir Way covered?
Yes, the package covers the complete route from Helensburgh to Dunbar.
2. Are daily baggage transfers included?
Yes, your luggage is transferred each day.
3. Is the route suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s suitable for walkers with basic fitness.
4. Are route notes and maps provided?
Yes, detailed route information is included.
5. Is support available during the walk?
Yes, emergency contact support is provided.
Scenes from the 10 day John Muir Way
Breathtaking scenery awaits at every turn of the 10 day John Muir Way
Cape Wrath Lighthouse
Highland Passes
Remote Tracks
West Highland Way
John Muir
NC500
Badger Divide
Great Glen
Rob Roy
2026 season 22 March–19 October
Ready to Walk the
West Highland Way?
West Highland Way Self-guided walking & cycling holidays designed for discovery and simplicity — without the stress of planning.
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