Take your picnic: Five glorious picnic spots from around Scotland
Us Scots will take any excuse to eat and drink outside. We’ll barbecue in any weather and flock to beer gardens at the merest suggestion of sunshine. But nothing beats the wholesome, grounded experience of a quality picnic.
From the cosmopolitan heart of Edinburgh to the wild and rugged north, here are our favourite spots to lay down a blanket, pop a cork, and get feasting.
Glenfinnan & Loch Shiel
Glenfinnan sits at the head of Loch Shiel in the Scottish Highlands, one of the most dramatic and photogenic spots in the country. It's here that the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct is carved into the hillside; if you’re lucky, you might even see the old Jacobite Steam Train (aka the Hogwarts Express) churning out steam as it rolls past.
At the north end of the loch is a huge grassy area by the Glenfinnan Monument, with endless water in front and soaring, moss-covered hills all around. If you find yourself in and around Fort William this summer, we can't recommend this place enough.
Of course, you’ll need a place to rest up after all this decadent dining. We can recommend the following local, and not-quite-so-local, gems:
Isle of Eriska Hotel, Island & Spa
Picnic perfect Perthshire
Perthshire is one of the most naturally diverse regions in the country. Spanning thousands of square miles, there is a near-endless string of spots, nooks, hideaways and boltholes that we might recommend for an idyllic summer lunch.
Perhaps the best of the lot is The Hermitage in Dunkeld. This ancient forest is a National Trust site full of towering firs (many up to sixty metres tall), animated wildlife and rumbling rivers. The Black Linn waterfall thunders just below Ossian's Hall, a restored 18th-century tower. The woodland, as you might expect, is full of suitably bench-like limbs and clearings where you can pitch your picnic.
Best of all, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to indulgent, restorative Perthshire hotels:
Princes Street Gardens
By travelling into the countryside you can find the most extraordinary spots to bed down with your blanket, flask, and sandwiches – but you don't need to travel that far...
The entrance to Princes Street Gardens is approximately ten metres from Waverley Station in Edinburgh. Set into a valley below Edinburgh Castle, the gardens are full of charming stopping places. While the west is quieter and greener, there's a good chance of catching some live music at the east side.
With countless shops on hand to furnish provisions, you can even afford to rush out here on a whim. Here are two fabulous (and fantastically contrasting) hotels within walking distance:
Riverside in Speyside
Speyside is best known, of course, for its whiskies. But the countryside here is among the Scotland's most inspiring. The River Spey is wide, fast-flowing and fringed with shade-furnishing trees – perfect for spreading out a blanket in summer.
With the Speyside Way path running riverside, there’s no shortage of quiet, grassy spots you can reach on foot or by bike. And around here, it would also be quite appropriate to enjoy a single malt or two with your delicious spread. Keep an eye out for ospreys as they, too, like to dine at the River Spey.
Finally, why not turn your daytime adventure into a special occasion with a stay at Linn House?
The Torridon
While only the most intrepid traveller would make this journey for a picnic alone, it is a wonderful idea for those staying at .
In short, everywhere you can walk to from The Torridon is majestic. The loch, the hills, the rugged terrain and utterly unspoiled wilderness is truly storybook. For a specific spot away from the hotel itself, try Loch Maree at Slattadale. It’s quiet, scenic, and only about 20 minutes away. Pitch up on the shore or beneath a soaring pine, and tuck in.
And of course if you are guests at The Torridon, it would be remiss not to ask the team’s Michelin-starred chefs to whip up the picnic on your behalf. Recently described as making ‘the UK’s best sandwich’, this feels like the right strategic move.
Special mention: de Burgh wine merchants
Now what kind of picnic would it be without the perfect beverage to wash it all down? We’ve mentioned enjoying a nip of whisky in Speyside, but for most of us, the picnicking punch of choice will always be wine.
Our partner de Burgh Wine Merchants is one of the best in the business. They adore wine and will stop at nothing to pair you with the perfect bottle(s). Based in Scotland, they deliver across the UK and are currently offering up to 20% off selected summer favourites. Visit their website and make sure to quote LUXSCOT10 when purchasing.
Here’s a sneak peek at the collection...
Tendem
This delicious Languedoc Grenache Rosé is made by Bruno Andreu in a light Provence style. It’s bursting with fresh red summer fruit flavours of strawberry, raspberry and cranberry.
Tardano
La Portera ‘Tardano’ Garnacha is a unique take on the Garnacha grape which is full of red cherry, raspberry liquorice and hints of pepper spice.
Alvarinho
Adaga de Moncao Deu-La-Deu is made from 100% Alvarinho grape variety. Intense tropical and citrus fruits dominate with touches of peach and apricot in the background.
