The John Musgrave Heritage Trail was created thanks to to a generous legacy left by John C Musgrave M.A., M.Phil. John's life-long passion for walking led him to chair the South Devon Group of the Ramblers and the Ramblers section of the Torquay Natural History Society in his retirement.

John moved to Torquay with his mother in 1937 after the death of his father. On completing school at Marlborough College, John joined the army and underwent basic training in Wales. Later he was sent for extended service as an intelligence officer in the Middle East. After demobilisation, John went up to Oxford, and later London Universities. His interest in foreign languages and customs lead him to study at several European institutions including the Universities of Pisa and Barcelona. John was awarded a Certificate of Fellowship following election to the Library Association and later set up the library at the New Ealing Technical College and School of Arts. He became Chief Librarian at Goldsmith College, University of London. On completion of his second degree John was appointed lecturer in Spanish Studies at London University.

Early retirement and a move back to Torquay from Richmond gave John time to travel more widely as well as pursue his many interests locally, including walking. This lead to his appointment as Chairman of the South Devon Group of the Ramblers. As a young man John suffered from polio, which affected him in later life. He underwent surgery on several occasions, but overcame the debilitating after-affects with remarkable determination and was soon walking again.
A gentle and generous man, John was loved and respected by his many friends. The John Musgrave Heritage Trail will be a lasting reminder of his passion for walking.