Walkers and history fans are being urged to explore the John Muir Way this April, with a series of events across the 134-mile route.
In Bo’ness, there’s a walk from Kinneil to Blackness Castle and back. There will also be a free open day at Kinneil House, with a costumed interpreter organised to take people back to the 17th century.
The events are being held around the birthday of John Muir, the Scots naturalist and explorer, who was born on April 21, 1838.
They also coincide with the third anniversary of the opening of the coast-to-coast John Muir Way, which launched in 2014, and which runs through the Bo’ness and Kinneil areas.
The Friends of Kinneil charity has organised a “Walk along the Way” on Saturday, April 22. The guided walk will take in Kinneil Nature Reserve and the stunning views along the Forth from Carriden and Blackness beaches. The trek (six miles each way, a total of 12 miles round trip) will leave from outside Kinneil House/Museum at 1 p.m. on April 22. There’s no need to book, although children must be accompanied.
For more information, click www.kinneil.org.uk/walktheway2017
Friends volunteers are also teaming up with Historic Environment Scotland to run a free open day at Kinneil House the following day – on Sunday, April 23. There will be free tours around the mansion from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (last admission 3.30 p.m.) A costumed interpreter will also be on hand to tell visitors about Anne, 3rd Duchess of Hamilton, one of the building’s best known residents, who was instrumental in developing the imposing House and its stunning Estate.
Kinneil Museum will also be open.
Please note that Kinneil House will only be open for the Sunday event.
Other John Muir events are also taking place around the country. See www.discoverjohnmuir.com/muir-events for details.
WIN A FREE GUIDEBOOK
At both the walk and open day, The Friends will be running free draws for copies of the John Muir Way guidebook, produced by Rucksack Readers. We have four copies, worth £11.99 each, to give away. To be in with a chance of winning a copy, come along to either event – or both! Thanks to Central Scotland Green Network and John Muir Way partners for their support.
For updates, see social media at www.facebook.com/kinneil and www.twitter.com/kinneil
You can walk along the John Muir Way with The Friends of Kinneil on April 22. More at www.kinneil.org.uk/walktheway
See inside Kinneil House and meet a Duchess at the open day on April 23. More on Kinneil open days at www.kinneil.org.uk/2017opendays and www.kinneil.org.uk/duchessday
Kinneil 
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