Author Archives: djshinton

Whilst I am aiming for the end of the John Muir Way, I couldn’t say no to a suggestion from one of my loveliest friends to combine art and a walk on a sunny day down the length of the Water of Leith. Starting off at Balerno we soon made it to Colinton Tunnel. RecentlyContinue reading “The Water of Leith – a side step”

Well they do say there’s no such thing as bad weather, just unsuitable clothing. So on went the suitable clothing for a walk on a very dreich day. We started where we left off at The Meadows – it broke my heart to see Summerhall, usually so full of energy and life, closed and empty.Continue reading “Stage 8 – Edinburgh to Prestonpans”

Given that this part of the John Muir Way walk cuts through Corstorphine and finishes up at the front door of the very first house I ever lived in, it felt appropriate to walk part of it with mum. Was a walk with lots of memories and things I’d never seen before. From the CramondContinue reading “Stage 7 – South Queensferry to Edinburgh (part 2)”

Of all the days I’ve walked so far, this was amazingly the first day of rain. But I do love a walk in the rain so… With Bella, Raymond and one of my oldest, dearest friends in tow we set off. Was great to see the bridges from a different angle to the one I’mContinue reading “Stage 7 – South Queensferry to Edinburgh (part 1)”

This walk felt a little like coming on to home turf. Growing up in the West of Edinburgh, South Queensferry feels familiar and was somewhere I spent a bit of time with my dad, particularly in recent years. After an up-hill walk out of Linlithgow across the fields and through the majestic woodland of KinneilContinue reading “Stage 6 – Linlithgow to South Queensferry”

After walking in circles around the station for the first 10 minutes, I finally found my way out of Falkirk and into Callendar park. It was another beautiful morning and I had no idea Callendar park was so picturesque. Not sure what the real swans made of the fake ones though… One of the day’sContinue reading “Stage 5 – Falkirk to Linlithgow”

Summer has trickled out the door and Autumn is edging in. Was a very damp, grey morning. Couldn’t decide whether the thousands of spiders’ webs covered in dew were beautiful in their artistry or terrifying in their number! After a final view of the Antonine Wall on Croy Hill it was down to join theContinue reading “Stage 4 – Kilsyth to Falkirk”

Today felt like final gasp of summer. The sun was shining and there was barely a cloud in the sky. Walking along the Strathkelvin Railway path, through fields and train tunnels, across burns and farmland with the Campsies for company on the left was blissful. The final section of this stage takes you to theContinue reading “Stage 3 – Strathblane to Kilsyth”

Balloch to Strathblane had to be cut short due to pesky kids requiring parenting. So, a quick Monday trip, 5 miles and Stage 2 is completed. Was interesting to see Carbeth Huts – a community of huts which were established in 1918 after the First World War, as a summer camp for returned soldiers. (www.carbethhutters.co.uk)

Back to Balloch and the shores of Loch Lomond. The last time I was in Balloch Country Park was when I was jumping around to Oasis in 1996. Mr S was planning on accompanying me for an hour then heading back to the car to pick me up at the other end but decided heContinue reading “Stage 2 – Balloch to Strathblane”