Five Best Picnic Spots in Scotland

When it comes to any sort of travel, planning is key. This is just as true for Scotland, even if it’s more accessible from the rest of Britain. Summer and autumn are the most popular times to go to Scotland and these seasons are ideal for picnicking. This is when you’re most likely to have good weather and enjoy in-season picnic foods, such as strawberries.

Staying in luxury caravans with friends and family is an ideal way to take advantage of the weather with an excellent base of operations for organising picnics. Offering somewhere to create the feast, you can explore different locations on each day of your holiday.

Loch Lubnaig, Callander

This smaller loch winds its way around picturesque peaks and hills. Along the way, you’ll find rustic rock-strewn shores which are perfect places to set up a waterside picnic. Take some fold-out chairs, rather than sitting directly on the pebbles. This location is well suited to granary bread sandwiches and other country fare.

Otter’s Pool, Galloway

This sequence of shallow waters in Galloway Forest Park is a very popular location in South West Scotland. With recently installed picnic benches, accessible paths, and an upgraded toilet block, it’s a brilliant picnic site for family days out. In such a tactile environment alongside nearby convenient picnic tables, try a finger food spread where you can have as much or as little as you like. Think pastries, cookies, and crudites with dip.

Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewing Point, Highlands

Younger members of the group may well consider this a pilgrimage: its claim to fame is as the conduit for the Hogwarts Express in the iconic scene where it steams across the viaduct.

The Jacobite train passes over here twice a day in spectacular fashion. Time your visit well and you may just get a chance to see it. Occasionally, it stops on the viaduct for its passengers to take in the view. Get your cameras at the ready, just in case it happens to be your lucky day for a once-in-a-lifetime picture!

Portencross, Ayrshire

For the history buffs out there, Portencross beach offers an adventurous location full of sand, rock pools and a wide expanse. The fourteenth-century castle promises mystery and drama unseen on your average picnic. If that’s not enough, you’ll enjoy stunning views over the sea to Arran. You’re going to want to explore this area, so make sure you bring a meal that’s low maintenance.

Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye

The Fairy Pools are a series of spring water waterfalls and rock pools in a magical location. Surrounded by the Cuillin mountains and the River Brittle, there are several lovely walking routes within accessible distance to nearby Carbost village. If you’re going to go on one of the many treks, pack a protein-filled picnic to keep you going.

Wherever you go for your picnic, be sure to comply with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code which allows everyone to enjoy an unspoiled Scotland.