The Journey of the John Muir Way Tartan
The John Muir Way is a spectacular coast to coast route spanning 215km across the diverse landscape & communities of central Scotland.
Opened in 2014 to commemorate the centenery of John Muirs death, the popular path meanders from his coastal birthplace of Dunbar in East Lothian to the Port of Helensburgh on the firth of Clyde, where the Muir family departed on their emmigration to the USA in 1849.
From wild rocky coastlines, through moorland and forests onto sprawling urban townscapes and industrial territories, the John Muir Way represents much of Scotlands varied environments, mirroring many of John Muirs own passionate interests. The John Muir Way Tartan was created to celebrate the opening of the John Muir Way, devised by Scottish Natural Heritage.
"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."
John Muir was a man of many talents; farmer, naturalist, botanist, inventor, explorer, mountaineer, writer - but is best known as a pioneer of nature conservation.
Born in the coastal town of Dunbar, East Lothian on 21st April 1838, the red stone cliffs, bright blue seas and skies remain much unchanged since the young John Muir scrambled in rockpools and trailed through woodlands absorbing every fascinating detail of nature that sparked his attention and set seed in his fertile young mind.
During his childhood in Scotland, he developed an enduring love of the natural world. When the Muir family left Dunbar for the promise of a new life in America in 1849, the deep roots of Johns sensitivity to the natural environment grew into a lifelong cause, earning worldwide recognition.
The John Muir Way stretches from his East Coast birthplace, through coastal, country and urban central Scotland, to Helensburgh on the West coast - the Muir familys departure point on their emigration to North America.
Gordon Nicolson's tartan design to honour Muir was inspired by "the Father of the National parks" legacy, and by the stunning coastline, countryside & Lammermuir hills which surround Dunbar. Today, it is home to the Nicolson family - securing this tartans place close to Gordon’s heart. It is a design that seems likely to have delighted the great environmentalist himself.
The John Muir Way Tartan is approved by Scottish Natural Heritage, is registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans, and is woven by Lochcarron of Scotland. The colours in the tartan represent:
- Green & Brown - earthy nature
- Blue - the sea & sky
- Red - from the Dunbar tartan
FURTHER READINGS
Discover our Tartan Story
in the National Museums of Scotland archives
Government protection should be thrown around every wild grove and forest on the mountains, as it is around every private orchard, and the trees in public parks. To say nothing of their value as fountains of timber, they are worth infinitely more than all the gardens and parks of towns.
The John Muir Way, at Belhaven Bay, East Lothian
"In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks."
EXPLORE THE
John Muir Way Collection
