Not planned your summer walking holiday yet, in which case why not look at one of the latest long distance trails that have been created and launched in Britain fir this year. You could be one f the first to take on The National Forest Way, The Great Trossachs Path, The South Yorkshire Way, or The John Muir Way. Take your pick and get your trip organised, before everyone else does.

The one that took my fancy was the John Muir Way, a 134 mile trail that runs from Helensburgh on the West coast to Dunbar on the East coast. It has been purposely designed to a long distance route with a difference as it passes through quite a number of towns and villages and is accessible for everyone to use. It has been classed as easy to moderate for walkers so gives me a great opportunity to try out my new Karrimor Bodmin Waterproof Boot, and can actually be completed by bike. However, if this option is undertaken you might need a mountain bike for some of the steeper sections.

The route is split into ten sections and over the complete route a mixture of paths, tracks, canal towpaths are used, alongside a few cycleways, pavements and minor roads. This will take you through a great variety of countryside to see and enjoy, from rivers and farmland, to woodland and coastline. The majority of the route is on easy gradients with one or two hills to climb along the way which are a bit steeper (well more than one or two), and there is people of history to enjoy too so make sure you give yourself enough time to see them. John Muir himself said “It is a good thing to saunter rather than hike”. And remember that although the way is fully signposted and waymarked always remember to have your map with you.

But who was John Muir? And what is his association with this area of Scotland? Well he was born in Dunbar in 1838, and at the age of 11 left via Helensburgh to emigrate to the United States where he grew to campaign to protect the American wilderness areas, becoming a leader of the environmental movement. This tireless work eventually earnt him the name of ‘Father of National Parks’. His love of the natural world was instilled in him at a very young age and this never left him, so this path is a great way to remember this son of Scotland as it a country that was always in his heart.

So pack your bags and head North of the border this Summer and enjoy a dram or two in John Muir’s memory, and maybe get a spot of walking in too.