IT IS NOW less than a month until the official launch of the new coast-to-coast John Muir Way.

A fun-filled festival will mark the opening of the 134-mile route on April 21, with First Minister Alex Salmond officially declaring the route open at Muir’s birthplace in Dunbar, roughly 100 years after the conservationist’s death.

Entertainers will also line Dunbar High Street, and there will be poets and musicians to keep the expected four-figure crowd happy.

The new trail extends the current John Muir Way in East Lothian to Helensburgh, echoing Muir’s own personal journey growing up in the east before heading west and setting sail for a new life in America.

The hard work in developing the route is being carried out by Scottish Natural Heritage.

Ron McCraw, from SNH, was hopeful people would take the time to explore the route, which passes through some of the country’s most beautiful scenery.

He said: “We hope the John Muir Way will inspire people to both explore and protect Scotland’s countryside.

“John Muir was inspired by the wildlife and beautiful scenery in Scotland as a young boy, and as an adult in the USA he inspired people around the world with his writing.

“We’re hoping plenty of other people – from both inside and outside of Scotland – will enjoy this new coast-to-coast route and learn more about Muir’s beliefs.” The new 215-kilometre route can be both walked and cycled and has been a flagship project for the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN).

Keith Geddes, chairman of the CSGN Partnership Board, which developed the concept of the route, said: “Watching our idea develop into this inspirational and fitting tribute to John Muir has been an incredible experience.

“We are very proud of playing our part in commemorating one of Scotland’s most famous sons and hope the next generation will follow in his footsteps and appreciate and protect our beautiful country.” For more information, visit www.johnmuirway.org