John Muir Way

Crossing Scotland in John Muir’s footsteps

Travel along the 127.8 mile John Muir Way with American filmmaker, Michael M. Conti, of The Unruly Mystic: John Muir, enjoying his perspective of this iconic pathway through the lowlands of Scotland. 

Michael and Heather Boyle, who is the producer on the project, travelled by foot and bike, west to east, during August 10-18, 2019. We started from the place of John Muir’s departure near Helensburgh to America in 1849 to the place of Muir’s birth in Dunbar, ‎April 21, 1838. 

Along the way, Michael and Heather stayed in unique lodging, visited fun eateries, partook at local distilleries, travelled to historical sites and other points of interest to add the journey of this treasured path across Scotland.

Adding to the experience, Michael took his 70 minute inspirational documentary film, The Unruly Mystic: John Muir, and screened it at two venues and cinemas in Bo’ness and Dunbar.

After each screening there was a talkback with the filmmakers. This effort went to helping educate and share John Muir’s writings about awe and wonder, and how we connect to nature spiritually. 

John Muir’s attention to the environment is shared by many as we face the challenges of the real climate change. The filmmaker hoped to inspire the audience to find meaningful solutions to this problem through activism and involvement.

As if walking isn’t enough to do everyday, and with nightly screenings, Michael also filmed, interviewing some of the stakeholders in the legacy of John Muir, from members of the Friends of John Muir’s Birthplace, to the organizers of the John Muir Way and John Muir Trust,  

Our last stop and screening was done in support of The Friends of John Muir’s Birthplace in Dunbar, and acted as a fundraising effort for that established charity.