John Muir Way events

Events are taking place at Kinneil and around Falkirk District to mark the first anniversary of the launch of the new John Muir Way.

They include a free open weekend at Kinneil House on April 18 and 19, 2015:

• Kinneil House will be open from noon to 3 p.m. (last admission 2.30 p.m.) on April 18 and 19, 2015.
• The House features renaissance wall paintings, dating back to the 16th century.
• The Weekend will also feature performances from costumed interpreter, plus ranger walks, and giveaways (see below for info on a free prize draw).
• The revamped Kinneil Museum, next door to the House, will also be open both afternoons.

Read the news release about the open weekend here.

If you’re visiting the House and its surrounding Kinneil Estate for the first time, get directions here.

SUNDAY, APRIL 19 – SPECIAL FREE DRAW FOR KIDS!

Thanks to a donation from SNH and Bo’net, we’ve got John Muir books and other nature goodies to give away in a free prize draw at Kinneil House. Come along – you could win a prize!

Scroll down for information on other John Muir events around Falkirk District. You’ll also find details in this newsletter from Bo’net (PDF).

IT’S been a year since the launch of the John Muir Way: Scotland’s coast-to-coast trail stretching 134 miles (or 215 km) across Scotland’s heartland. The Way runs between Helensburgh in the west through to Dunbar on the east coast and Muir’s birthplace.

Walkers, cyclists and horse riders can enjoy the coastal scenery, sweeping landscapes, wildlife sites and historic visitor attractions across Scotland’s heartland.

From the Clyde coast the route travels inland to Gouk Hill with splendid views of Scotland’s first national park – Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. John Muir would surely approve!

Moving east the route takes in the unique Falkirk Wheel, the Roman remains of the Antonine Wall, Arthur’s Seat volcano in Edinburgh, and on to the rocky coastline of Dunbar, where Muir played as a boy.

To mark the first anniversary, SNH and partners are running events and activities around the Way, helping people celebrate Muir’s love of the outdoors. Find out more about what’s on at:
www.snh.gov.uk/johnmuir2015

There is also a dedicated website for this way-marked route. It provides people with all sorts of useful information on completing all or part of the Way, places to stop for a bite to eat and local points of interest worth a visit.  Much of the Way links with public transport, making it easy to reach, so why not give it a go this spring? www.johnmuirway.org

LOCAL EVENTS AROUND THE FALKIRK COUNCIL AREA – 2015

HERE are some of the local events taking place to mark the first anniversary of the opening of the John Muir Way.

Saturday, April 18
The Kelpies turn purple for the John Muir Way anniversary. Helix Park, Falkirk, (time TBC). www.thehelix.co.uk

Kinneil House Open Day, Kinneil Estate, Bo’ness, noon to 3 p.m. See inside this renaissance building, right beside the John Muir Way, for free.
www.kinneil.org.uk

Sunday, April 19
John Muir Way “Walk Falkirk Challenge”, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join Falkirk Council Ranger Service on the first leg of a walk of around 11 miles along the John Muir Way in Falkirk district, from Banknock heading east. The walk will stop for a short break at Falkirk Wheel at lunchtime (bring your own picnic).  En route walkers will learn about Falkirk’s history and wildlife. Booking essential. More information: 01324 504950 or email:
rangers@falkirk.gov.uk

Kinneil House Open Day, Kinneil Estate, Bo’ness, noon to 3 p.m. See inside this renaissance building for free – and go for a walk along the John Muir Way in the grounds of the surrounding Kinneil Estate and neighbouring Nature Reserve.
www.kinneil.org.uk

Monday, April 20
Toddling O’Clock – Poppy’s Garden,
10.30 a.m. Callendar House, Falkirk. Sensory drama, music and a mini-adventure for two to five-year-olds and their adult. More information: Cost £3.50 (admits one child and up to two adult carers). Booking essential: call the Steeple Box Office on 01324 506850

Friday, April 24
John Muir Way Badger Watch,  7.45 p.m. Muiravonside Country Park near Whitecross. Suitable for adults and children six years and over. Price £3 per person. Booking essential: call the Steeple Box Office on 01324 506850
www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/heritage

Saturday, April 25
Environmental Festival, Callendar House, Falkirk 10 a.m. Come along and meet representatives from Falkirk Community Trust, the Forestry Commission, Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre, the RSPB, the local Nature Fest festival and Scottish Badgers in front of Callendar House. Find out how to become more eco-friendly, make use of your parks and woodlands, and re-discover nature. Call Callendar House on 01324 503770.
www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/heritage

The people of Blackness and Bo’ness mark the first anniversary of the John Muir Way with a community walk from Carriden, Bo’ness, to Blackness Castle. Leaves at Carriden Church car park at 1 pm. (There will also be activities around the church from late morning.) Round trip, around five miles. Bring a picnic to enjoy in the castle grounds.
http://j.mp/blackness-walk

Sunday, April 26
Music session with Falkirk Folk Club, featuring Carron Cast. Corbie Inn, Corbiehall, Bo’ness, from 8 p.m. to midnight. Free. The real ale pub, which also boasts a micro-brewery, is just off the John Muir Way.
www.corbieinn.co.uk