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.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
READ MOREJoin 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 MORENoughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!
READ MOREMacdonald Hotels, one of the UK’s most popular independent hotel groups, invites you to join them for an Easter break to remember.
READ MOREA mass gathering of heavy horses assembled at the home of Scotland’s iconic Kelpies structures today (Tuesday, March 26) in celebration of the forthcoming 10th anniversary.
READ MOREDobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.
READ MOREThe search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.
READ MOREThis year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.
READ MOREA host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.
READ MOREA range of Stirling’s outstanding independent business owners were rewarded with trophies last night at the city’s annual Business Awards.
READ MORESpring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!
READ MOREFull cast and creatives announced for the tour of Maggie & Me, the first stage adaptation of Damian Barr's award-winning memoir touring UK in May and June!
READ MOREDobbies today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups across the UK to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.
READ MOREA sinister story involving 'stovies' and a grisly tale about the strange sheep of Greshornish have been chosen as the winning and runner-up stories in The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition
READ MOREThe National Trust for Scotland is going hopping mad for Easter and hosting a bumper 35 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care this spring.
READ MOREStirling’s business community is getting ready to celebrate at the city’s annual awards for independent traders.
READ MOREExcavation work on a Pictish stone of potential ‘international significance’, discovered buried in a cemetery near Doune, will begin within the next fortnight.
READ MOREGreat Run 2024 series highlights inspirational stories from runners around the UK.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is bringing back its much-loved Easter event, inviting families to hop along to their nearest store and enjoy an Easter Bunny Breakfast egg-stravaganza.
READ MOREFriday 8th March marks International Women's Day and to celebrate Vue is set to screen four inspiring films which follow the achievements of incredible female leads.
READ MORENew research released by VisitScotland reveals the growing popularity of Scottish traditional music, finding that over a third of Scots (34%) are listening to it more often in the past year.
READ MOREThe public was treated to a surprise choir performance against the backdrop of the National Wallace Monument in Stirling to mark Marie Curie's Day of Reflection this weekend.
READ MOREA stellar line-up of authors are set to take Paisley by storm at this year's Paisley Book Festival in April!
READ MOREThe AJ Bell Great Scottish Run is back on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October, and the Earlybird offer to save up to £8 off your entry ends this Friday 1st March at 10am.
READ MOREA Scottish author's poignant tale of generosity and kindness has raised £2,262 to help the homeless.
READ MOREDobbies is offering customers the chance to treat the mother figures in their lives to an indulgent Mother's Day Afternoon Tea experience and a special flower gift on March 9th & 10th.
READ MORESTEP, in partnership with Forth Valley Food and Drink, is thrilled to announce a series of engaging business events throughout March.
READ MOREA project involving the University of Stirling, Stirling Council and a group of volunteers has uncovered a historic folly on the university grounds.
READ MOREAn Impassioned photo-led exhibition that depicts the challenge, pride and responsibility felt by those working in Scotland’s fishing industry is to debut within the Scottish Parliament.
READ MOREThe Scottish Influencer Awards, the major awards ceremony celebrating Scotland's stars of social, has announced the full shortlist of nominees in the running to be named the Influencer of the Year.
READ MORE