John Muir Way

by: Sandra Bardwell and Jacquetta Megarry
The John Muir Way runs across Scotland for 134 miles (215km) from Helensburgh on the Clyde to Dunbar on the North Sea. The route is fully waymarked and designed as much to suit cyclists as walkers. It will appeal not only to those planning a single coast-to-coast expedition but also to people tackling it in sections, made easy by good public transport across central Scotland. The route offers a wealth of fine scenery, peaceful canal towpaths, Roman remains and welcoming pubs and bed and breakfast locations.

This guidebook contains all that a walker needs to plan and enjoy the route on foot or bike. There are detailed route descriptions with distances and food and drink stops supported by a map of the entire route in 6 drop down panels at a scale of 1:115,000. Background information includes a concise treatment of John Muir's life and work as well as details on the canal heritage and wildlife, supported by superb photographs. Practical information includes details of public transport, when to go, accommodation and facilities and travel planning. The guide is lavishly illustrated with over 90 colour photographs. This edition was updated in 2018 and includes the Kilpatricks route.

The Rucksack Readers guidebooks have a unique format in that they are spiral bound at the top allowing every page to be opened flat. The additional clever feature is a drop-down route map which allows any page plus the map to be displayed together for convenience on the trail. The book is printed on paper treated with waterproof varnish that withstands the wet plus the map and book covers have a matt laminate on both sides.

ISBN 9781898481836 Pages 72 plus folding map (2018) 145mm x 220mm

This map is essentially an Ordnance Survey Explorer 1:25000 scale map of the entire John Muir Way. However, it has the additional benefit of having the map and index in a book format. This innovative concept makes it a perfect companion for walkers actually on the Trail as the book format is more convenient and easier to use while outside compared with a large paper map.

The book is the same size as the standard folded OS map (240mm x 134mm) and fits in a standard map case. The maps show public rights of way, open access land, national parks, tourist information, car parks, public houses and camping and caravan sites as on OS maps.

In addition to the high-quality OS mapping, the book includes a comprehensive index to towns, villages, hamlets and locations, natural features, nature reserves, car parks and youth hostels, making them quick and easy to use. Each index entry has a page reference and a six figure National Grid Reference.

The book features 53 pages of continuous Ordnance Survey mapping providing complete coverage of the John Muir Way. This long distance footpath covers 134 miles from Helensburgh to Dunbar, the birth town of the Scottish environmentalist. The route mixes scenic beauty with sites of historical and industrial interest. The route explores quiet canals, breath-taking beaches, gentle hills and tranquil woods as well as taking in palaces, castles and ancient Roman remains.

Also included is a route planner providing the distances between places and the amenities available, featuring:
Information Centres
Hotels/B&Bs
Youth Hostels
Campsites (seasonal opening)
Restaurants
Public Houses
Cafes (seasonal opening)
Shops
Petrol Stations

Also featured is advice on safety and security when walking, details of Tourist Information Centres and a selection of QR codes linked to useful websites.

ISBN 9781782572596 Pages 68 (2018) 134mm x 240mm