In our latest film ‘Unhurried’ Bikepacking Scotland founder and filmmaker Markus Stitz documents his trip on the John Muir Way, one of Scotland’s Great Trails. The film reveals a unique coast to coast journey through Scotland’s varied landscapes, history and heritage, during which Markus reflects on one of the great advantages of travelling by bike: being able to slow down and connect more fully with your surroundings.
The John Muir Way links Helensburgh in the west with Dunbar, the birthplace of John Muir, in the east. Using a combination of the waymarked walking and cycling routes, we have produced a recommended bikepacking version, which you can download as GPX on our website here. The route passes through Scotland’s first national park, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, and provides a journey of contrasts and the chance to connect with nature, taking advantage of the green spaces that link coasts, villages, towns and the capital city, Edinburgh.
We have already developed a number of long-distance cycling routes through Bikepacking Scotland, including the Wild About Argyll Trail and the Go East Lothian Trail, which both use sections of the John Muir Way. The new film has been created in cooperation with the Green Action Trust, a charity focused on environmental and regeneration outcomes for Scotland, which manages the route.
Here are some of our highlights from the route, which is also fabulous for day trips and microadventures.

The Avon Aqueduct near Linlithgow 
The Falkirk Wheel 
North Berwick 
Dunbar Castle 
John Muir Statue in Dunbar 
Edinburgh Castle 
The Forth Bridges at night 
On paths around Falkirk 
Near Burncrooks Reservoir 
Gannets at Yellowcraig Beach 
Stoneymollan Road 
The Campsie Fells near Strathblane 
The Maid of the Loch in Balloch


