Celebrate John Muir Day, the John Muir way!
World renowned Scottish-born conservationist, John Muir is to be celebrated with a series of events, encouraging Scots to get out and about and follow his example!
Article Source: John Muir Trust
Last Updated: 13 April 2018 11:47
Saturday 21st April would have been Muir’s 180th birthday and also marks the fourth anniversary of the opening of the John Muir Way, one of Scotland’s Great Trails which stretches 134 miles across central Scotland. Running from Dunbar to Helensburgh, the John Muir Way was launched to commemorate the man who was known as the ‘Father of the National Parks’ in America.
The Way can be enjoyed on foot or by bike and John Muir Day provides the perfect opportunity to follow in Muir’s footsteps passing through countryside, coastal towns, cities and villages. The route is suitable for all ages and abilities and can be enjoyed in short loops, day trips or by completing the route in sections.
A host of activities have also been arranged across Scotland to mark John Muir Day including a ‘Paddle Pickup’ on the John Muir Way. Organised by Sustrans and led by Scottish Canals and Scottish Waterways Trust, the water based litter pick up on the Union Canal in Edinburgh will be held on Friday 20 April.
Young people can apply to take part through the Young Scot Active Rewards programme which is encouraging young people to be more active more often in the outdoors during the 2018 Year of Young People. For further information please visit https://rewards.youngscot.org/rewards/1520-apply-join-in-the-paddle-pick-up-active
As part of Young Scot’s partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, cardholders can also celebrate with £1 entry to many of the historic sites along the John Muir Way including; Tantallon Castle, Dirleton Castle, Seton Collegiate Church, Blackness Castle and Linlithgow Place.
Those looking to get out and explore Scotland’s woodlands and shorelines are invited to join the Friends of Kinneil on their annual trek from the historic Kinneil House and Museum to Blackness Castle on Saturday 21 April. The walk will take in the historic Carriden Church and places can be booked online at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/walk-the-way-kinneil-to-blackness-and-back-tickets-44159387918.
Kinneil House will also hold an open day with costumed interpreters and entertainers on Sunday April 22 from 12 noon to 4pm.
Those hoping to capture the moment are in luck as Historic Environment Scotland is holding a wildlife photography for beginners class on the Saturday (21 April). The event from 4.30pm to 6.30pm must be booked in advance by calling 0131 652 8150 or emailing rangers@hes.scot
If you would like to help increase habitats for pollinators, Balgreen Community Garden is holding a spring clean and planting event on Thursday 19 April, 10.30am to 1pm. The garden forms part of the John Muir Pollinator Way project, aiming to create hundreds of mini-wildflower meadows that provide shelter and forage along the route for pollinating insects. Those interested can contact admin@waterofleith.org.uk or 0131 455 7367.
John Muir’s Birthplace in Dunbar is also celebrating Muir with an exhibition titled ‘Kindred Souls.’ The event, which is currently running, showcases the work of Muir’s close friend, William Keith, a respected Californian landscape painter. The John Muir Birthplace Trust can be found at www.jmbt.org.uk, on Facebook and Twitter.
Keith Geddes, Chair of the Central Scotland Green Network Trust (CSGNT), is proud that John Muir is being recognised through these initiatives.
He said: “We are proud that the John Muir Way is helping to interest more people in the life and legacy of John Muir. It is also encouraging to see his work inspiring people – both young and old - to think about conservation and how they can make their own individual or collective contribution to improving the environment while getting closer to nature. There’s a great line-up of activities for all the family and we hope everyone enjoys celebrating the special day.”
Rob Bushby of the John Muir Trust helps to co-ordinate UK-wide John Muir Day celebrations, and commented: “Every year, more people are taking the opportunity to explore and share Muir’s ethos, stories and adventures in their studies, work and leisure time. The John Muir Way, along with National Parks, charities and community groups, have some fantastic events, resources and activities lined up from 14th to 22nd April to celebrate John Muir’s 180th birthday.”
The full list of events that can be enjoyed as part of a walk or cycle along the John Muir Way also includes art exhibitions and talks, 2 for 1 offers at cafes, bike and Segway hire deals, £1 entry to historic sites for young people and educational tours.
For further information about the events and the John Muir Way, please visit www.johnmuirway.org/getinvolved – a dedicated website on the 134 mile route with key information to help people plan their trip.
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Gilded Balloon and Edinburgh Street Food announce new, dog friendly comedy night
Edinburgh’s top street food hang-out and leading comedy producers Gilded Balloon have today announced a brand new partnership, bringing the city’s funniest night out to Edinburgh Street Food.
READ MORE
The one that started it all: Edinburgh Science Festival announces its new Director
Edinburgh Science Festival drew its 35th anniversary edition to a close last weekend and now announces its new Director, Hassun El-Zafar, and dates for the 2025 Festival.
READ MORE
Pomegranates Festival kicks off next week
There’s just one week to go before the Pomegranates Festival of International Traditional Dance (25-30 April) kicks off at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and various venues across Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Top tips for visiting the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show
Now in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Seafood Festival returns to St James Quarter
The popular Edinburgh Seafood Festival returns to St James Quarter, with even more opportunities to get a taste of the finest Scottish fare!
READ MORE
Cineword celebrates Danny Boyle
Cineworld Edinburgh celebrates the acclaimed British director Danny Boyle from May 7th to May 28th with a limited time big screen re-release of four of his classic titles at only £5 per ticket!
READ MORE
Johnnie Walker Princes Street Introduces Sunrise Yoga Experience
Johnnie Walker Princes Street is inviting guests to find their flow and embark on a journey of tranquility and connectivity with its latest offering, Sunrise Yoga on 3rd May!
READ MORE
Red Carnation Unveils 100 Princes Street, a historically rich new hotel in Edinburgh
Red Carnation Hotels, the family-owned hotel collection, proudly announces the opening of its latest masterpiece and first property in Scotland, 100 Princes Street.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Zoo named best zoo in Scotland
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has been named the best zoo to visit in Scotland by TripAdvisor, the world’s biggest travel guidance platform.
READ MORE
Ambassador Theatre Group becomes ATG Entertainment
Ambassador Theatre Group (“ATG”), a leading live entertainment organisation, and owner of the Edinburgh Playhouse, today announced that it is rebranding as ATG Entertainment.
READ MORE
New Finds at Culloden Battlefield shed more light on intensity of battle
Latest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.
READ MORE
First Look and opening date confirmed for The Spanish Butcher in Edinburgh
RUSK & RUSK, the independent Scottish restaurant group, today shares first look impressions of The Spanish Butcher, Edinburgh, and confirms it will officially open on Friday 10th May.
READ MORE
New Edinburgh Dog Friendly Brunch Spot Opens Today
Sip & Bark is opening its doors today on Raeburn Place in Stockbridge, with a delicious brunch offering, a selection of cocktails and fine wines, plus it’s dog friendly!
READ MORE
Port Edgar Open Weekend is back with a splash as it celebrates 10th Anniversary
The annual Open Weekend returns to Port Edgar, the largest watersports and activity centre in Scotland, for a special 10th-anniversary event on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May!
READ MORE
Kinky Boots struts into Edinburgh
Broadway and West End phenomenon Kinky Boots The Musical, is strutting into Edinburgh in a brand-new production starring Strictly's Johannes Radebe and rising star Dan Partridge!
READ MORE
Laser Station Teams Up with Cash For Kids for Fundraising Event
Laser Station will be hosting an exciting fundraising event from April 22nd to April 28th, aimed at raising funds to support Cash For Kids initiatives.
READ MORE
Lloyds Early Careers event coming to Edinburgh
Lloyds Banking Group is hosting a free event on Saturday 13th April in Edinburgh for young people wanting to explore the wide range of careers options available in the banking industry.
READ MORE
Owen Thompson MP visits Newtongrange inspiring community garden to mark Community Garden Week
Volunteers at the Newtongrange Community Garden were delighted to welcome a special visitor on Tuesday 2nd April - Owen Thompson MP.
READ MORE
Scottish Game Fair returns for its 35th year
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.
READ MORE
New UNIQLO store to open on Princes Street on 25th April 2024
Global apparel retailer UNIQLO will open its doors to Edinburgh’s highly anticipated store on 25 April 2024, with the arrival marks the regeneration of the shopping scene in Scotland’s capital.
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres unveils Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience
Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.
READ MORE
POSTPONED: Springfest at Loch Lomond Shores
This year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.
READ MORE
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is Back with Breakfast 7 days a week and Kids Eat Free the Easter Break
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is thrilled to announce the return of breakfast service seven days a week and to celebrate KIDS EAT FREE for the Easter break!
READ MORE
Cracking line up of cinematic classics and big screen blockbusters at Vue this April
A fantastic range of brand-new blockbusters, haunting horrors, theatre productions and all-time action classics lead the roster of releases heading to Vue this April.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Folk Club looks to future with wealth of musical talent and annual Songwriting Competition
Edinburgh Folk Club’s weekly folk, roots and acoustic nights are set to continue into the spring and summer, along with the return of their annual Songwriting Competition.
READ MORE
Over 65 shows announced by Gilded Balloon for Fringe 2024
Gilded Balloon have today added over 65 shows for 2024’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe line-up including Michelle Braiser and Mhairi Black!
READ MORE
New figures reveal the growing popularity of Edinburgh Resident Rewards scheme
More than 5,400 people took advantage of exclusive offers available only to residents within the City of Edinburgh Council area last year.
READ MORE
Elaine C. Smith joins the star cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in Edinburgh
Elaine C. Smith will play the role of The Childcatcher in the new production of the most fantasmagorical musical of all time, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, when it comes to Edinburgh Playhouse!
READ MORE
Historic sites across Scotland get ready to reopen their doors
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
READ MORE
Diabetes Scotland will host a virtual event for young people 11 to 25 living with type 1 diabetes
Join Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links