John Muir way biking holiday

John Muir Way

A coast to coast off-road biking tour perfect for gravel bikes
Overview
  • 1 - Flat as a pancake
  • 2 - Flat with some lumpy bits
  • 3 - Gently undulating
  • 4 - Undulating, some bigger hills
  • 5 - Rolling hills
  • 6 - Hilly but not too steep
  • 7 - Hilly with some steep climbs
  • 8 - Very hilly up to 25% climbs
  • 1 - Very little biking but keen to try 
  • 2 - Cycle a couple of times a week, a few hours per day on flat terrain
  • 3 - Can easily cycle half a day on more hilly terrain 
  • 4 - Can ride for up to 5 hours per day, gently undulating terrain
  • 5 - Can ride for 6 hours per day, some short, steep climbs
  • 6 - Can ride for 7 hours per day on hilly terrain
  • 7 - Comfortable biking for 8 hours per day including long, steep climbs
  • 8 - Cycle several times per week, can ride up to 10 hours per day, steep, physically demanding trails
  • Green - beginners and novices, flat, wide trails, no challenging features
  • Blue - intermediates with basic off-road riding skills, small obstacles, moderate gradients, some short, steep sections
  • Red - proficient mountain bikers, steep and rough, with some technical sections
  • Black - very experienced mountain bikers, very challenging with steep, technical climbs and descents
Total Distance
215 km (134 miles)
Number of days cycling
2 to 4 days
Elevation
Almost 2000 metres of climbing and descending coast to coast from the Firth of Clyde to Scotland's North Sea coast.
Summary

Embark on an exhilarating Scottish coast to coast cycling adventure along the iconic John Muir Way, named in honour of the famed naturalist and conservationist, where breath-taking landscapes and thrilling gravel biking trails await! Our tailor-made cycling trip along the John Muir Way, from Helensburgh in the west to Dunbar on Scotland's east coast, offers the perfect combination of scenic beauty and physical challenge for gravel biking enthusiasts. Bike coast to coast along the diverse terrains of the John Muir Way, ranging from canal toe paths to ancient drove roads and serene coastal cycle paths on one of our meticulously planned cycling holiday itineraries. 

The John Muir Way cycle route leads you through ancient woodlands and charming Scottish villages and around picturesque lochs. There's also the opportunity to take a trip on the Falkirk Wheel, the world's only rotating boat lift which links the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal and is a real feat of engineering. Join us on this unforgettable cycling adventure along the John Muir Way and discover the perfect blend of exhilarating gravel biking, breath-taking scenery, and memorable moments. Contact us to plan your gravel biking holiday and let us provide you with a biking experience that will leave you craving more!

Map

Track

Highlights
Breath-taking views over Loch Lomond and the surrounding mountains from the Trossach Hills.
Visiting the Falkirk Wheel, the world's only rotating boat lift which connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal.
Exploring the historic Scottish capital city, Edinburgh, including its iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Holyrood Palace.
Experiencing the beauty of the East Lothian coastline with its sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and picturesque fishing villages.
What's included
2 to 4 days of stunning cycling
2 to 5 nights of hand-picked, quality accommodation to suit every budget
One way transfer between Helensburgh and Dunbar (alternative transfers can be arranged, additional costs may apply)
All baggage transfers between accommodation
Official map of the route and accurate gpx files (specific to your type of bike)
Detailed list of bike shops and a comprehensive route information pack
Phone support from our experienced team
Bike hire available as an additional extra
Availability
J
No
F
No
M
No
A
Yes
M
Yes
J
Yes
J
Yes
A
Yes
S
Yes
O
Yes
N
No
D
No

Your gravel biking holiday can be organised on any dates between April and September for groups of two or more people. Choose your preferred dates and contact us to start planning your gravel bike holiday now. 

Trip options
2 days / 3 nights (per person)
Number of days cycling
2
Average daily distance
107 km (66 miles)
Fitness
7
3 days / 4 nights (per person)
Number of days cycling
3
Average daily distance
71 km (44 miles)
Fitness
5
4 days / 5 nights (per person)
Number of days cycling
4
Average daily distance
53 km (33 miles)
Fitness
4
Prices
2 days / 3 nights (per person)
Guest House/Hotel - 4 people
£490
Guest House/Hotel - 2 people
£675
Luxury - 4 people
From £30 extra/night
Luxury - 2 people
From £30 extra/night
3 days / 4 nights (per person)
Guest House/Hotel - 4 people
£595
Guest House/Hotel - 2 people
£795
Luxury - 4 people
From £30 extra/night
Luxury - 2 people
From £30 extra/night
4 days / 5 nights (per person)
Guest House/Hotel - 4 people
£700
Guest House/Hotel - 2 people
£920
Luxury - 4 people
From £30 extra/night
Luxury - 2 people
From £30 extra/night
  • We can accommodate groups of any size. If you have a group of 3 people or more than 8 people please contact us for the best price.
  • We use fantastic, tried and tested accommodation but more luxurious upgrades are available in some locations for a supplement
  • Single occupancy rooms are available for a supplement
  • Bunkhouse options are available in some locations if you wish to reduce the price
  • We can add or remove extra accommodation, change transport arrangements or add any other extras you might need 
Example itinerary
john-muir-way.pdf
Enquire/Book
Are you or any of your group planning on bringing an electric bike?
Is the battery removable for charging?

Trip Gallery

John Muir Way biking tour
John Muir Way gravel bike
John Muir Way biking tour
coast to coast gravel bike route
coast to coast gravel bike route
John Muir way biking holiday
John Muir Way Bike route
gravel biking holiday scotland
John Muir Way cycling holiday
John Muir Way Biking Holiday

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