John Muir Way audit: invitation to tender

The John Muir Trust is inviting tenders from suitably qualified and experienced individuals, or organisations, to undertake a comprehensive signage and access audit of the John Muir Way (JMW), one of Scotland’s Great Trails.

The audit forms part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to protect, restore and champion the UK’s wild places, ensuring that the John Muir Way remains accessible, safe and engaging for everyone who uses it.

About the John Muir Way

The John Muir Way is a 134-mile (216 km) long-distance walking and cycling route stretching from Helensburgh on the west coast to Dunbar on the east coast. It symbolically links John Muir’s birthplace with Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, offering a diverse journey through Scotland’s landscapes, heritage and communities.

With much of the signage and infrastructure now over a decade old, a full audit is required to assess the condition and identify improvements along the route.

Purpose of the audit

The audit will evaluate the condition, visibility and effectiveness of signage and related infrastructure along the route. It will also identify access issues and opportunities for improvement, helping ensure the trail remains fit for purpose.

Key objectives include:

• Recording all signage locations
• Assessing condition, usability and visibility
• Undertaking minor remedial work where feasible
• Recommending improvements and future maintenance.

Scope of work

The appointed contractor will:

• Traverse the full route to inspect signage and waymarking
• Carry out minor maintenance such as cleaning signs, clearing vegetation, and basic repairs
• Record location data, condition assessments and photographic evidence
• Produce a comprehensive report detailing findings, issues and recommendations
• Provide insights and stories from the route to support communications work.

Deliverables

Outputs will include:

• A completed field audit of the full route
• A detailed written report
• A digital dataset of signage locations
• Photographic records
• Recommendations for maintenance and improvement
• Anecdotal material for communications use.

Timeline and budget

The project is expected to begin by agreement, with completion of the field audit and final report required by 31 August 2026.

A budget of approximately £2,000 is available for the work, payable in full upon completion.

Who should apply

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Experience of long-distance walking, or cycling
• Physical ability to complete a 134-mile route within the timeframe
• Strong organisational and report-writing skills
• Understanding of the John Muir Trust’s mission and values
• Interest in conservation and environmental issues.

Submission details

Tender submissions should include:

• Relevant experience and qualifications
• Proposed methodology and schedule
• Approach to data collection and reporting
• Confirmation of availability
• Any additional value or innovation.

Submissions will be assessed based on experience, methodology, understanding of the project, value for money and added value.

How to apply

Full tender submissions must be submitted to johnmuirway@johnmuirtrust.org by 5pm on Friday 19 June 2026.

For further information, please contact: johnmuirway@johnmuirtrust.org