While doing the John Muir Way, you can either follow the suggested walking route, or if on a bicycle, the cycling route. The route is very well sign posted following the tradition route of West to East as well as East to West.
The Route
While doing the John Muir Way, you can either follow the suggested walking route, or if on a bicycle, the cycling route. The route is very well sign posted following the tradition route of West...
History of John Muir Way Baggage Service
John Muir Way Baggage service was started by an incredible gentleman called, Steve Higson. If you had the pleasure of using this service before the season of 2022 you will know what a joy it...
Accommodation
Accommodation along the John Muir Way is varied in quality and price. The following list is not comprehensive more it represents accommodations I can deliver and uplift to generally without challenge. If you find accommodations...
The Route
History of John Muir Way Baggage Service
John Muir Way Baggage service was started by an incredible gentleman called, Steve Higson. If you had the pleasure of using this service before the season of 2022 you will know what a joy it was to be in his company. His knowledge and personality is infectious. Steve is a retired Scotch Whisky Manager, and in recent years owned a Country Inn, a Scottish Long Distance Walking Holiday company, and then turned his concentration to the John Muir Way from April to October. Over winter he still works as a tour guide at The Helix, home of the Kelpies, in Falkirk – his home town. It is also no surprise that he is also Santa for a month at Callendar House ho ho ho. I would recommend popping down and meeting the man yourself.
The service is now run and owned by Highland Transfers, the owner and head Sherpa, Ryan Davidson’s ambition is to continue the legacy that Steve created. This ambition is to provide life long memories for people on their adventures.
And don’t worry, we won’t let Steve off that easy. You will still see him helping us sometimes as his personality is just too invaluable to not have him helping people on adventures.
Accommodation
Accommodation along the John Muir Way is varied in quality and price. The following list is not comprehensive more it represents accommodations I can deliver and uplift to generally without challenge.
If you find accommodations not on the list please check with me before booking. Remember no Airbnbs or Edinburgh City centre rooms unless they are on this list – thank you.
Please note that many accommodations have struggled during 2020 and some may not survive until 2021 – please check before booking.
Accommodation along the John Muir Way
Stages as per official route http://johnmuirway.org/. I would also highly recommend the official route map & guide which also gives cycle distances http://www.rucsacs.com/books/John-Muir-Way/
I have suggested accommodation along the Way. The accommodations are based on walkers/cyclists’ choices to date and you may wish to check on TripAdvisor before making any bookings. I have also included, where possible, different price brackets and accommodations as near to the Way as possible.
I can only service Airbnbs if they are on this list. If you find another Airbnb that can accommodate my service please let me know before you book.
Helensburgh – many will only take two night bookings
http://www.no20craigendoran.co.uk/
https://www.eastbankscotland.com/
Balloch – all very near the Way. There are plenty of other choices also.
http://www.visitscotland.com/info/accommodation/woodvale-bed-breakfast-p225611
http://www.hotelatlochlomond.co.uk/
https://www.innkeeperslodge.com
Braeburn Cottage
Drymen – for splitting up day two and making it an 11 day walk. Since the waymarking of a new walking route on this day you can only split in two if you walk the cycle route. Following are a few of the accommodations in Drymen.
http://www.ashbank-drymen.co.uk/
http://www.braeside-drymen.co.uk/
http://www.hawthorns-drymen.com/
http://www.buchananarms.co.uk/
Please note that Drymen is on the West Highland Way and it can be difficult finding accommodation at certain times of year.
Carbeth
https://www.edenmill.co.uk/ directly on the Way
Strathblane
http://kirkhouseinn.com/ – directly on way
Haughhead
http://www.finglenhouse.com/ – a little off the Way. No restaurants or shops nearby, either purchase food for your evening meal at the Co-op food store in Strathblane or order a delivered take-away meal from Lennoxtown.
Lennoxtown/Milton of Campsie (cycling option stages)
Kilsyth
http://www.boathousekilsyth.co.uk/ – 400 yards from the Way.
http://www.coachmanhotel.com/ – 1.5 miles off trail
http://www.allanfauld.com – 2 miles off trail though Mrs MacGregor will help out with transfers.
Castlecary
Falkirk
http://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/central/falkirk/falkirk-central.html
http://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/macdonald-inchyra-hotel-spa/
http://www.grangemanor.co.uk. Though a 3 mile from the Way you are only a 0.5 mile stroll to the amazing Kelpies.
Pat’s Place, 54 Majors Loan, Falkirk FK1 5QG, it’s the only Airbnb I work with and is very good
Linlithgow
http://www.starandgarterhotel.co.uk/
https://www.ardenhouse-scotland.co.uk/ out of town
www.bomains.co.uk – just 1.5 miles past Linlithgow and near the Way. For an evening meal you would need a taxi for the short distance back to town.
Abercorn
http://www.parkhead-house.com/
South Queensferry – these are all directly on the Way
https://www.thequeensbandb.co.uk/
Stag Head Hotel
Edinburgh
Hundreds to choose from though I recommend accommodations in the Newington area of town along Minto Street/Mayfield Gardens. You will be near the Way, slightly off centre and therefore better value and on a main bus route to the city centre. Please note that traffic restrictions mean that I cannot service most City Centre accommodations.
http://www.edinburghbedandbreakfast.com/ – 50 yards off the Way
http://www.glenalmondhouse.com/ is particularly good. A mile off the Way though on a main bus route with several buses to the city centre per hour
http://www.thebruntsfield.co.uk/ on the Way and easy bus access to city centre
If you Google Premier Inns for Edinburgh the York Place, Hub Royal Mile and Laurieston Place Inns are 0.5 miles from Princess Street.
By Musselburgh
http://theravelstonhouse.co.uk/
http://www.carberrytower.com/ (a few miles off the trail)
Cockenzie & Port Seaton (1.5 miles past Prestonpans though it does spilt the mileages better)
Longniddry
https://www.visitscotland.com/info/accommodation/the-dean-bed-and-breakfast-p1112621.
Aberlady
http://www.theoldaberladyinn.co.uk/
https://www.privatehousestays.com/l/Accommodation/Luffness-Mains-Farmhouse. Wee bit out of Aberlady though chance to stay on a farm. Evening meals by arrangement or taxi/lift to Aberlady for an evening meal.
North Berwick
http://www.seaholm.co.uk/ – great views
http://www.glebehouse-nb.co.uk/
Dunbar
therocksdunbar.co.uk – great views
www.bayswellparkhotel.com – great views
http://www.visitscotland.com/info/accommodation/springfield-guest-house-p214631
http://www.dunmuirhotel.co.uk/
Ryan Davidson – John Muir Way Baggage Service
Updated February 2022
Accomodation Booking Services
We recommend the following tour operators and suppliers for their professionalism, knowledge and customer service.
If you are looking for a company to book your holiday on the John Muir Way on your behalf please click on the links below.
The list is arranged alphabetically:
Click here for Absolute Escapes John Muir Holidays
To contact Julie at Gemini Walks click here.
Contact Highland Adventures and Baggage Transfers
To contact the team at Macs Adventure click here for their John Muir page.
Official Website https://johnmuirway.org/
