Our favourite 7 picnic spots in Scotland

We don’t know about you, but when we think of Spring and Summer in Scotland we think of glorious days spend out in the sun getting some fresh air into our lungs and seeing some of the fabulous countrysides.
 

We love nothing more than heading out for the day with a picnic without a clue of where we’re going to wind up. If, on the other hand, you like planning your ramblings, why not consider visiting some of the awesome picnic sites below. We promise that a good time will be had by all, and you’ll sleep like a baby when you get home thanks to all the fresh air and good exercise!

Cambus O’May, Aberdeenshire

This woodland is accessible to all, with stunning views, shallow lochans, interpretative panels and of course picnic benches. Cambus o’May is one of those places you can visit again and again – and find something new each time. Choose from trails that cross a lochan on a picturesque bridge or wind through Scots pine trees where squirrels chatter. If you really want to take it easy, there’s a grand view of Deeside’s mountains just from the car park.
 

Arthurs Seat, Edinburgh

If you like to exercise your legs before you eat then there’s nowhere better than Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh for working up an appetite.  Head to Arthur’s Seat for a walk up the tallest hill in Edinburgh and the most stunning views you’re likely to find in the south. Situated in the vast 650-acre Holyrood Park, the huge hill to the east of the castle is one of seven that stand proud above the city and it has a range of graded walks that are suited to ramblers of all abilities. We promise that you won’t be disappointed.
 

Glasgow Botanic Gardens

If you fancy hanging out with nature in the city, then botanical gardens are a great way to get your fix. At any time of the year there are pleasant riverside walks, peaceful woodland copses and exotic tropical places to explore, just minutes from the heart of the city. Shop till you drop and then come and relax in the peace and quiet.
 

Otters Pool, Galloway Forest Park

Situated in the heart of the forest this is the perfect riverside picnic spot, with plenty of room on the grassy banks to play and relax. Drive halfway along the Raider’s Road Forest Drive to take advantage of this beautiful secluded spot next to the babbling waters. This is the perfect spot for those who want to get away from it all.
 

Loch an Eilein, Rothiemurchus

Rothiemurchus is in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, near Aviemore, in the Scottish Highlands. Loch an Eilein is hidden in the forest of Rothiemurchus.  Visitors can step back in time and retrace the steps of the Highland cattle raiders as they enjoy views of the dramatic and mysterious Highland castle (which you might know as one of the most photographed castles in the world) and enjoy the exceptional wildlife of the forest.

Reekie Linn, Glen Isla

If you like your picnics with a hint of danger then come and sup here. The Reekie Linn is the most impressive waterfall in the region, its great power making it an awesome sight especially in spate. The very short walk to it is very pleasant through deciduous woodland on the rim of a deep and dangerous gorge. You can picnic at the site 200m away from this stunning spectacle – just don’t go too close!
 

Edzell Castle Gardens, Perthshire: 

If you’re a bit of a history buff and enjoy going back in time whilst you dine, then why not consider a picnic in the picturesque ruins of Edzell Castle? Once owned by the Lindsays, now by Historic Scotland, the finest feature is the wonderful walled garden, added in 1604 and recreated in the 1930s.The garden’s most arresting and original features are its four enclosing walls which contain a series of unique carved panels. These portray the Seven Cardinal Virtues, the Seven Liberal Arts and the Seven Planetary Deities. The was clearly to provide a stimulus both for the mind and the senses, and it certainly does that!
 

What are your favourite picnic spots?