A plethora of family events across Scotland are marking what would have been the 180th birthday of the famous Scottish-born conservationist John Muir this weekend – and people in Helensburgh and Lomond are being encouraged to venture out and follow his example.

Saturday, April 21 would have been the “Father of National Parks” birthday and is also the fourth anniversary of the John Muir Way, otherwise known as the coast-to-coast trail.

The occasion provides plenty for locals to experience if they fancy checking out the 134-mile trail which stretches from Helensburgh, through Loch Lomond, and on to Dunbar.

Those looking to explore Scotland’s woodlands and shorelines are invited to join the Friends of Kinneil on their annual trek from the historic Kinneil House and Museum to Blackness Castle on Saturday, April 21.

The walk will take in the historic Carriden Church and places can be booked online at eventbrite.co.uk.

Kinneil House will also hold an open day with costumed interpreters and entertainers on Sunday April 22 from 12 noon to 4pm.

There will also be a “Paddle Pickup” on the John Muir Way over in Edinburgh. Organised by Sustrans and led by Scottish Canals and Scottish Waterways Trust, the water- based litter pick up on the Union Canal in Edinburgh will be held on Friday, April 20.

Young people can apply to take part through the Young Scot Active Rewards programme which is encouraging young people to be more active more often.

As part of Young Scot’s partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, cardholders can also celebrate with £1 entry to many of the historic sites along the John Muir Way including Tantallon Castle, Dirleton Castle, Seton Collegiate Church, Blackness Castle and Linlithgow Place.

Keith Geddes, chair of the Central Scotland Green Network Trust, said: “We are proud that the John Muir Way is helping to interest more people in the life and legacy of John Muir.

“It is also encouraging to see his work inspiring people – both young and old – to think about conservation and how they can make their own individual or collective contribution to improving the environment while getting closer to nature.

“There’s a great line-up of activities for all the family.”

Events are running until Sunday, April 22.

For further information about the events and the John Muir Way, please visit johnmuirway.org/getinvolved.