CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Infrastructure

Proposed John Muir walking trail will run from Dunbar to Helensburgh

(47 posts)

No tags yet.


12

  1. crowriver
    Member

    "A new long-distance route for walkers is being planned for central Scotland.

    The John Muir Way, named after the 19th Century naturalist, will run from Dunbar in East Lothian, through central Scotland to Loch Lomond and Helensburgh. Walkers will also be able to branch off from the proposed trail to other walks, such as the West Highland way

    The new path will be an extension of the existing John Muir Way in East Lothian."

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-17784249

    That's nice, but I wish they could build a coast to coast cycle path while they're at it...

    Posted 12 years ago #

  2. Claggy Cog
    Member

    Sounds lovely. Yes it would be nice, there are other coast to coast options but involve towns in North England. One wonders why they can't do both?

    Posted 12 years ago #

  3. crowriver
    Member

    I suppose for a walking trail, all you need is to consult with landowners, erect a few signs, put in a few styles/gates and Hey Presto! A coast to coast trail.

    Cycle paths need tarmac, or at least cinders, different (more expensive?) signs, plus of course chicanes, bollards and rumble strips to stop us 'going too fast'/making any reasonable progress.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  4. kaputnik
    Moderator

    you forgot the missing sections, crowriver. They would have to take a perfectly good path and dig up some bits to ensure you couldn't get a ride from A to B without some "dismount" signs to contend with.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  5. cb
    Member

    "I suppose for a walking trail, all you need is to consult with landowners, erect a few signs, put in a few styles/gates and Hey Presto! A coast to coast trail. "

    I think you're making it sound a lot easier than it actually is! To create a sign-posted route (rather than just a route 'on paper') is quite a long drawn out process.

    I expect the John Muir trail will use mainly existing routes.
    I would guess:
    Water of Lieth walkway; Union Canal; Forth and Cylde Canal; Kelvin Walkway spur to Milngavie (and hence the WHW); Bowling to Balloch (not sure, assuming that;s the route); Three Lochs Way (hadn't heard of this before)

    Then their is the Gore-tex Scottish National Trail which also proposes to link existing routes.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  6. chdot
    Admin

    Found a map for this

    http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/A858576.pdf

    Also

    "
    In Edinburgh, the Brunstane Burn path will be a key section of the John Muir Trail linking Holyrood Park and east Edinburgh with Musselburgh. At the moment, this path is muddy and overgrown but it is being improved for cyclists and walkers by the City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Natural Heritage John Muir Trail project.

    "

    http://www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2013/04/countdown-to-the-launch-of-the-john-muir-trail

    And

    "
    The First Minister, Alex Salmond MSP, has accepted an invitation from CSGN Chair, Keith Geddes to open the John Muir Trail on 21 April 2014.

    "

    http://centralscotlandgreennetwork.org/news-and-events/news/565-john-muir-trail2

    Posted 10 years ago #

  7. cb
    Member

    "Found a map for this"

    My route prediction from a year ago wasn't very good.

    Much more interesting following the Forth coastline to Boness instead of the canal. I wonder if the Blackness to Boness section (=current missing link in route ncn76) will be improved? Although I note there is an "easier" alternative heading in to the canal at Philpstoun which suggest that some part of the Boness bit is 'difficult'.

    Looks like it uses the
    Strathkelvin Railway Path as a more interesting (and shorter) route to Loch Lomond.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  8. cb
    Member

    "I wonder if the Blackness to Boness section (=current missing link in route ncn76) will be improved?"

    http://www.falkirk.gov.uk/about_council/news/article.aspx?pid=2683

    "Work will soon begin to upgrade the Bo'ness to Blackness section of the John Muir Trail thanks to a £100,000 cash boost from the Scottish Government’s Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund."

    No mention of cyclists.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  9. Charterhall
    Member

    I see that some of the funding is coming from Sustrans so hopefully that bodes well for suitability for cycling.

    Hopefully the increased use of the route will prompt someone to open a nice cafe in Bo'ness

    Posted 10 years ago #

  10. chdot
    Admin

    "Hopefully the increased use of the route will prompt someone to open a nice cafe in Bo'ness"

    It's quite a while since I've been to Bo'ness. Did a leisurely (2 day) 'Round the Forth a while ago'. This included the Blackness to Bo'ness 'path' and involved a certain amount of carrying. I believe it's got worse recently.

    So I will definitely be trying the upgraded route and expecting "a nice cafe".

    All other visits in the past 20 years have been to see the railway.

    It's always looked like 'a nice place needing a bit of upgrading/redevelopment'. I know there have been all sorts if initiatives/plans. I'm just surprised that the existence of the Central Belt's steam railway hasn't made more difference.

    It's hard to imagine that the John Muir Trail will bring as many people as the railway - but they are more likely to be hungry - and won't just be driving home after a quick visit!

    Posted 10 years ago #

  11. Instography
    Member

    Isn't Brian's a nice cafe?

    Posted 10 years ago #

  12. chdot
    Admin

    "

    John Muir Way festival, 2104

    The John Muir Way has existed as a walking route, Berwick to Queensferry, for some time with many sections cycleable. Recently it has been extended through West Lothian and right through to the West Coast at Helensburgh, although many sections here are still to be finalised or developed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Muir_Way

    The official opening through to Helensburgh will be in April 2014, the 100th anniversary of John Muir's death. There will be a week of celebrations April 17-26, including walks/cycles on many parts of the route. http://www.snh.gov.uk/enjoying-the-outdoors/year-of-natural-scotland-2013/celebrate-john-muir/john-muir-way

    Sustrans is playing a large part in this and is organising an ideas/planning meeting (with mince pies) in December at their Edinburgh (Haymarket) offices. Anyone with ideas or interested in being a local contact (e.g. to help with a local cycle on the route) is welcome.

    Please email katharine.taylorATsustrans.org.uk urgently – the meeting may be any time in December.

    "

    http://www.spokes.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/1311-ELMLWL.pdf

    Posted 10 years ago #

  13. crowriver
    Member

    Wow. Maybe it will be cyclable after all.

    Chicanes, bollards, rumble strips and missing sections notwithstanding.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  14. chdot
    Admin

    There are current East Lothian Sections where it's definitely more 'path' than cycle route but with nearby road route.

    There are also places (eg around Corstorphine Hill) where separate, signed, walking and cycling routes are planned.

    Sustrans has someone planning the signage.

    I was surprised to read that the Way already reaches Queensferry. Don't know how it's routed through Edinburgh.

    Think plan includes Innocent and Meadows, so that route improvement won't be ready!

    Posted 10 years ago #

  15. chdot
    Admin

    "
    SNH Tweets (@SNH_Tweets)
    05/03/2014 11:31
    The countdown to the John Muir Way is on! Less than 7 weeks until this coast-to-coast trail is launched - http://ow.ly/ufXWh

    "

    "

    Nikki MacLeod (@jazznikki)
    05/03/2014 13:02
    @SNH_Tweets Very unimpressed by Edinburgh route. Should have followed coast. Soo few green (cycling) bits. @CyclingEdin @SpokesLothian

    "

    Posted 10 years ago #

  16. crowriver
    Member

    "Cycling the John Muir Way will usually take about 4 days".

    Really?

    Posted 10 years ago #

  17. chdot
    Admin

    "about 4 days"

    "215km route"

    That'll be a leisurely holiday for some people.

    Not many will want to do it all in a day.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  18. crowriver
    Member

    True, it will be something to ride at a leisurely pace given the trails and use of the canal towpath. Even so, four days seems a bit much unless you have a lot of luggage or a tremendous number of stops for breathers, sightseeing, food, etc.

    If you wanted to ride it in a day you'd use the roads anyhow.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  19. cb
    Member

    Here are the maps for the Edinburgh sections:

    http://johnmuirway.org/route/edinburgh-prestonpans

    http://johnmuirway.org/route/south-queensferry-edinburgh

    Not sure I agree with @jazznikki. I think if you've already trudged the coast all the way from Gullane in the east or Bo'ness in the west then you would welcome some inland bits.

    Although I might have been inclined to run in along the prom at Portobello, up the Restalrig path, through Lochend Park and then through the Queen's Park.

    Also, not sure why they missed the main spine of Corstorphine Hill opting for the streets to the west instead?

    Posted 10 years ago #

  20. chdot
    Admin

    "or a tremendous number of stops for breathers, sightseeing, food, etc."

    "That'll be a leisurely holiday for some people."

    Posted 10 years ago #

  21. chdot
    Admin

    Site needs some work. Maps don't behave in iOS - zoom sliders don't change map and PoI pins don't pop-up - or whatever they are meant to do.

    No 'full site' option.

    http://johnmuirway.org

    Posted 10 years ago #

  22. cb
    Member

    Also, I would have gone from Lochrin to Haymarket via the WAR zigzag then Douglas Crescent down to the Water of Leith, then Roseburn, Murrayfield Gardens, through the gap in the hedge to the Campbells then up the 'rest and be thankful' to Corstorphine.

    Cuts out a tedious loop on the canal - there's plenty canal further west.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  23. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    I can't see many folk going out along the canal and back along the Water of Leith just to get from the Meadows to Murrayfield. Surely the whole point of a long distance path is to see the interesting stuff en route, like, you know...Edinburgh city centre? I'd have thought anyone adventurous enough to go coast to coast will cope with National Route 1 through town?

    Posted 10 years ago #

  24. chdot
    Admin

    "

    belhaven bikes (@belhavenbikes)
    29/03/2014 10:26
    @CyclingEdin Please RT, help promote @JMuirFestival 'Carry a Flag' 21 April 2014. Sign up https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-flag-for-john-muir-registration-10415345579

    http://pic.twitter.com/WoDmGMZwhj

    "

    Posted 10 years ago #

  25. chdot
    Admin

    Mentions on current Out of Doors

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0074hjr

    Presenters cycled from west to east whole route. More on future programme.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  26. ggovan
    Member

    I accidentally did the Edinburgh to Prestonpans section yesterday (had meant to just go to Portobello, but took a different route and then just followed the signs).

    I thought it was a very nice route. It was well signed and the path was never unpleasant. The signage was good enough for me to follow, though looking at the map I see I did miss a bit. I joined the road in a few places rather than a shared use pavement. Would ride again.

    I'd be interested in using the route through to Balloch this summer.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  27. chdot
    Admin

    Posted 10 years ago #

  28. chdot
    Admin

    "
    Edinburgh Outdoors (@EdinOutdoors)
    03/04/2014 21:04
    Marker posts now in place at Corstorphine Hill for the new John Muir Way.

    http://pic.twitter.com/r7DtNM4duE

    "

    Posted 10 years ago #

  29. chdot
    Admin

    "

    Apr 21 John Muir Festival launch The John Muir walk/cycle recreational route, now extended from Dunbar to the West of Scotland, is launched in Dunbar at 9.30am by First Minister Alex Salmond, with music, stalls, etc. Cyclists can carry flags on the first leg, Dunbar to North Berwick. More info and registration link at http://www.johnmuirfestival.com.

    "

    From -

    http://www.spokes.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/spwkr14.04.07.pdf

    Posted 10 years ago #

  30. chdot
    Admin

    http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/new-muir-route-leads-to-extra-1m-for-city-1-3371717

    Posted 10 years ago #

RSS feed for this topic

12

Reply »

You must log in to post.


Video embedded using Easy Video Embed plugin