LET’S be honest, John Muir would probably have hated the John Muir Way. The long distance walking trail set up in his honour is surely too flat for a man happiest on a hill, who once declared, “the mountains are calling and I must go”. While Covid-19 may prevent us from hopping across the Atlantic to enjoy the national parks he set up, Muir’s legacy here is a nonetheless spectacular trail that handily ripples across Central Scotland, accessible to many Scots even in lockdown, that more than justifies its official recognition as one of Scotland’s Great Trails.
The Corbie Inn, Bo ness. Photo by Alistair Pryde.
The sale will allow the owners to improve the area – close to Bo’ness foreshore and the John Muir Way – which are popular with walkers and cyclists.
Some of the land is currently used as a car park for the pub, but owners Giles and Gail Fairholm offered to buy it so they can make changes that include extending the pub and adding to the beer garden.
Mr Fairholm – who also owns his own joinery business – has offered to build a garage for trishaws belonging to the charity Cycling Without Age, which offers free rides to pensioners and those with mobility problems.
Hiking lovers will know that one of the main issues with this kind of hobby, is getting from your home to the beginning of a trail. That’s even harder if you don’t have a car, and if you’re willing to do some hiking abroad… Well, you probably know already how it feels to be
that close to a nice trail, but not be able to get there!
So, with the help of our beloved team of Spotters, we put together for you nature lovers a selection of hiking (but also biking, horse riding, …) trails and areas that are inside city limits and that can be easily reached by public transportation – or even just by walking.
Last modified on Fri 19 Feb 2021 10.40 EST
Before you book, check individual campsite Covid refund and rescheduling policies
WALES
Three Cliffs Bay, Penmaen, Gower
The dramatic clifftop location is a huge selling point for this family-run campsite on the south side of the Gower peninsula. It is right on the Wales Coast Path, and a short stroll from the spectacular Three Cliffs Bay. Guests can choose between sea-view or (cheaper) countryside-view pitches, for tents, caravans or campervans. There are also sea-view bell tents and inland yurts (both sleeping five). The shower block is particularly impressive, with power showers, LED lighting and underfloor heating … Even the dog-washing points have warm water. The shop is also well stocked, with local bread, meat, beer and wine; and guests can order hampers, and rent picnic tables and firepits. The campsite was started in 1948 on North Hill Farm, which dates back five generations, and is still run by the Beynon family.
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