Autumn has arrived and, over the next few weeks, the countryside will be ablaze with colour, making it the perfect time to pack a picnic and soak up the last of the sunshine.
Whether you are seeking stunning vistas with views of lochs and glens, remote country corners or shady woodlands, you’re sure to have an appetite for the picnic locations in the Cairngorms National Park. With some of Scotland’s most beautiful unspoiled countryside, and gourmet treats at your fingertips, alfresco eating has never been so appealing as it is in the Cairngorms.
The area has as many select sites as there are sandwich fillings – with one beauty spot even topping the chart in a nationwide quest for the UK’s top picnic location. Voted Britain’s Best Picnic Spot in 2010, Loch an Eilein (loch of the island) encapsulates so many of the qualities of the region, boasting natural beauty, mountain landscapes and abundant wildlife.
With a loch and mountain views, a 13th-century island castle and the chance to spot forest wildlife, including red squirrels and Scottish crossbills, the site is sheltered by ancient pine trees. Stretch the legs after picnicking with a walk on the path around the loch, which is also suitable for motorised wheelchairs, off road buggies and is part of the 50km of way-marked network of paths on Rothiemurchus Estate.
Hidden away at the top of Glen Clova, by Kirriemuir, is Glen Doll, an ideal location for a drive-to picnic. As well as picnic tables set up along the riverside right next to the car park, the local Ranger Base provides information about the landscape and wildlife of the surrounding hills and glens.
There’s always lots to do in the Cairngorms National Park – and a picnic at Loch Insh, at Kincraig, comes with the added bonus of providing the chance to take to the water for canoeing, rowing and windsurfing. Should you prefer a quieter spot from which to watch waterbirds drifting on quiet, calm waters, then opt for the tranquil end of the loch, near the village of Kincraig.
The picnic area in the small village of Bellabeg, Strathdon, is well worth a visit – and there’s the added opportunity of searching for the signpost pointing to the nearby hamlet of Lost.
The Spittal of Glen Muick must have one of the most picturesque car parks in Scotland (complete with picnic tables), or why not walk to Loch Muick for lunch with a spectacular view? You might catch a glimpse of red deer roaming across the landscape. In addition, the visitor centre at Loch Muick provides information about local wildlife – and the weather forecast.
Take in some of the area’s history at the Old Bridge of Avon, Glenlivet. This structure was built during the construction of the military road, in 1754, and carried traffic across the river until 1978. The smaller arch was destroyed during the great floods of 1829 and reconstructed two years later, after much inconvenience had been caused to local people. The old bridge was restored as a pedestrian bridge and has provided a crossing point over the Avon for over 200 years. The car park and picnic tables are alongside.
Pack the binoculars and watch the birdies at Abernethy National Nature Reserve, Nethybridge. Birds of prey are the big attraction of a picnic lunch at the reserve, home of the Loch Garten ospreys, as well as dragonflies, red squirrels and several species of rare birds.
Alternatively, take your picnic to Blair Castle Gardens, Blair Atholl. Buy a day ticket to the castle’s extensive gardens for your alfresco feast and then go exploring the walled garden, complete with a life-size statue of Hercules, the woodland children’s adventure playground, the gothic folly and the sculpture trail.
Not only is picnicking an affordable option, and a chance to enjoy the great outdoors, but you’ll discover that the Cairngorms is home to a wealth of top-quality food and drink producers. For some picnic hamper inspiration, pick up artisan cheese from Cambus O’May Cheese Company, which goes well with oatcakes from Walkers in Aviemore. Seasonal soft fruit from Alvie Strawberries offers a juicy taste of summer.
To satisfy a sweet tooth, pick up some fresh bread and heather honey from Rothiemurchus Estate Farm Shop and Deli, or sample the handmade fudge from the Kilted Fudge Company. For the non-drivers, quench your thirst with a Wildcat beer from the Cairngorm Brewery.
You’re never far away from a great spot to have a picnic in this fantastic area of Scotland, so pack your hamper and head for the Cairngorms National Park. The park is made up of five different areas: Aviemore and Cairngorms, Angus Glens, Atholl and Glenshee, Tomintoul and Glenlivet, and Royal Deeside and Donside and is an ideal destination for a day out or longer holiday.
Contact: www.visitcairngorms.com