The wet, windy weather that we have been subjected to over the last few weeks hasn’t exactly felt summery. But, in Scotland, we have to adopt a certain amount of optimism and hope the sun will make an appearance over the next few weeks. If it does, why not make the most of it by heading out for a picnic at one of these lovely spots?
1. Loch Lubnaig, Callander
Callander, Stirling
Meaning ‘crooked’ in Gaelic, Loch Lubnaig is a far cry from the wide expanses of Loch Lomond or Loch Ness. But its narrow, weaving shape makes for a spectacular view from its banks, as the hills rise steeply ahead of you and peek around the corners of the horizon. There are plenty of flat, pebbly lochside beaches to plonk yourself down on, as well as dedicated picnic spots and the excellent Cabin Café if you don’t want to bring your own food. And, along with admiring the scenery, you are also likely to see some hardy wild swimmers braving the water – no matter what time of year you visit.
2. Otter’s Pool, Galloway
Raider’s Road Forest Drive, Galloway Forest Park, Dumfries and Galloway
Otter’s Pool almost looks made for picnics. The gently bubbling burn runs over rocks to pool in a charming forest clearing, with plenty of picnic tables dotted around to sit at and take in the surroundings. To get there, go halfway along the Raider’s Road Forest Drive, a 10-mile woodland route that shows off some of the best wildlife that Galloway has to offer.
3. Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewing Point, Highlands
Glenfinnan, Lochaber, Highlands
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is recognisable the world over, thanks to the Harry Potter scene where the Hogwarts Express passes over its majestic arches. It makes a beautiful spot for a picnic, with several different viewpoints that can be accessed from the visitor centre. ScotRail trains pass reasonably frequently on the route to Fort William, but if you want to see the iconic Jacobite steam train then you will have to time your picnic carefully as it only passes twice a day.
4. Conic Hill, Balmaha
Balmaha, Stirling
There’s nothing quite like the smug pleasure of tucking into a well-earned meal after exercise. And where better to do it than with a picnic at the top of Conic Hill? The summit of this steep, short peak offers some pretty spectacular views over Loch Lomond, and is the perfect place to just do nothing except soak in the scenery. The climb does require a bit of stamina, but it should be suitable for most ages and fitness levels.
5. Portencross, Ayrshire
Portencross, North Ayrshire
Troon and Prestwick might get most of the visitors, but those in the know would tell you that it is the clachan of Portencross that offers the best views in Ayrshire. Its proximity to Arran means it has an unrivalled outlook over the sea to the island – which looks particularly majestic as the sun is going down. You can head to one of the picnic tables dotted along the Portencross front, or to its small beach, but arguably the best place to base yourself is on the end of the pier.
6. Cambus O’May, Aberdeenshire
Ballater, Aberdeenshire
The diverse, rich forest of Cambus O’May offers plenty of variety for visitors. You can picnic in the dense woodlands if you want to get away from it all, in the open heather fields if you want a view of the Cairngorms, or at one of the riverside picnic benches if you want to admire its suspension bridge. It was damaged in Storm Frank and is no longer safe to cross, but the 100-year-old bridge is still lovely to admire. Especially with a tasty picnic.
The 10 best coastal walks across Scotland7. Botanic Gardens, Glasgow
730 Great Western Road, Glasgow
A bit of an institution among west-enders, the Botanic Gardens is an excellent place to unwind with a picnic on a sunny day. Any spot you choose is likely to be surrounded by beautiful flowers, with the gardens hosting 3000 specimens that come from more than 200 plant families. When you finish, make sure to have a wander around the striking Kibble Palace or the Kelvin riverside path to explore more of Glasgow’s greenery.
8. St Cyrus Beach, near Montrose
Montrose, Angus
This three-mile-long beach, which is part of the St Cyrus Nature Reserve, has plenty of lovely spots for relaxing on a sunny day. You can get to it from the cliff path or the visitor centre, where there is adjoining nature reserve to do some pre-picnic birdwatching. On the beach itself make sure to look out for seals, dolphins and killer whales, which have all been spotted offshore.
9. The Meadows, Edinburgh
Old Town, Edinburgh city centre
If you want a quiet, secluded picnic then the Meadows isn’t for you. But what it lacks in space it more than makes up for in people watching: with buskers, fitness fanatics, families and students all using the grassy fields for an escape from city life. Just be vigilant that you don’t have your food stolen by an over-friendly dog, or get hit by a stray frisbee from one of the many games that get played on the Meadows.
10. Fairy Pools, Skye
Glenbrittle, Skye
Not only was it named as Scotland’s best picnic spot in 2017, but Skye’s Fairy Pools even made it on to the prestigious Lonely Planet list of the top 50 natural wonders of the world. If you want to see them for yourself, drive to the Forestry Commission car park of Glumagan Na Sithichean and then hike along the path for about 20 minutes until you reach the first of the waterfalls. There are plenty of different pools to explore – and have a picnic at – but if you are really brave you could even try swimming in them. Just don’t expect the water to be warm…
11. Crathes Castle, Aberdeenshire
Crathes, Banchory, Aberdeenshire
Open every day 10.30am-7pm
Adult £13, concession £10
If there is someone you are trying to impress, then a picnic at Crathes Castle should do the job. With its walled garden, perfectly manicured yew hedges and the backdrop of a 16th century castle, it makes for a pretty grand setting for sitting back and enjoying a sandwich. Be sure to leave time to explore the castle – and its beautiful paintings – once you are finished.
12. Tentsmuir Forest, Fife
Leuchars, Fife
With woodland, sand dunes and a beach, Tentsmuir has plenty of options for those looking to eat alfresco. There are dedicated picnic tables near the car park, but you can also follow one of the designated trails to find the perfect spot to set up camp. Look out for red squirrels, sea birds and dragonflies – and maybe even some seals basking on the beach.
13. Pollok Country Park, Glasgow
2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow
To picnic alongside Highland cattle you might think that you have to travel to the countryside. But despite being right in the middle of Glasgow’s bustling south side, Pollok Park has its very own herd of Highland cows, along with plenty of open space and woodland. A great place to enjoy a picnic in peace.
14. Oldshoremore Beach, Sutherland
Kinlochbervie, Sutherland
If you want a picnic in peace, you can’t do much better than Oldshoremore beach. Along with its sister beach Phollain – the two are separated by a rocky isle known as Eilean na h-Aiteig – the south-facing bays of Oldshoremore can feel like your own private paradise. Anyone who can’t manage the steps down to the sand won’t miss out too much, with the grass above the beach hosting more than 200 varieties of flowering plants.
15. Fearnoch Forest, near Oban
Taynuilt, Argyll and Bute
This family-friendly forest has plenty of picnic tables to choose from, with various trails through the woodland that you can explore to find your favourite spot. Some of the picnic tables even boast a view of Ben Cruachan, Argyll’s highest mountain, which peeks through the trees behind the forest.
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