Free boat trips in celebration of 10th anniversary of John Muir Way

Two special boat trips have been organised in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the John Muir Way.

The popular 134-mile trail was created in honour of world-renowned conservationist John Muir, who was born in Scotland in 1838 and went on to inspire the creation of the United States National Park Service.

Who is John Muir?

• Mr Muir was born in Dunbar, East Lothian, on 21 April 1838.
• In 1849, his family emigrated to the United States, starting a farm near Portage, Wisconsin.
• According to the John Muir Trust, Mr Muir was said to be fascinated by everything in nature – from mosquitoes to mountain ranges – and believed that “all of life is connected”.
• His passion for wild places led to a lifelong quest to protect them. Mr Muir’s writings helped people to understand the importance of wildness and inspired the creation of the world’s first national park system.
• His work influenced the creation of several national parks in America, including Yosemite Valley in California.
• In 1903, then president Theodore Roosevelt spent several nights camping in Yosemite with Mr Muir. During the course of Mr Roosevelt’s political term between 1901 and 1909, he established five new national parks.
• Mr Muir, who founded prominent conservation organisation the Sierra Club in 1892, believed visiting wild places helped us grow as people and was important for recharging the mind and body.
• Mr Muir died of pneumonia in Los Angeles, California, on 24 December 1914, aged 76.

The John Muir Way

The John Muir Way – which first opened on 21 April 2014 – stretches across Scotland’s heartland.

The coast-to-coast route runs between Mr Muir’s birthplace of Dunbar, East Lothian, and Helensburgh in Argyll and Bute, from where his family left for America.

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The trail weaves through East Dunbartonshire, which includes the Strathkelvin Railway Path.

Ahead of its 10-year anniversary, two free boat trips along the Forth and Clyde Canal in East Dunbartonshire have been organised and will explore the trail’s history and Mr Muir’s legacy.

The trips – leaving from and returning to the pontoon opposite Nonna’s Kitchen in Kirkintilloch – have been funded by Paths for All.

• John Muir Way Talk: Thursday 22 February, 10am-12pm.
• John Muir, Father of Conservation: Thursday 29 February, 12.30-2.30pm.

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Councillor Paul Ferretti, convener of East Dunbartonshire Council’s place, neighbourhood and corporate assets committee, said: “I’m pleased we have been able to organise events to celebrate the life of John Muir and the 10th anniversary of the trail established in his memory.

“It’s one of a number of paths and routes used regularly by walkers and cyclists for leisure and commuting.

“It’s important for our physical and mental health to get outdoors and get active as often as possible.

“We’re very lucky to have such wonderful natural and built amenities so close by – offering people the chance to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys.”

To book your place on the boat trips, email [email protected].

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