Some of us love picnics, and some of us find them uncomfortable affairs, featuring limp sandwiches, general stickiness and parts of our anatomy going to sleep.

by The Perthshire Magazine and Media Co

If the latter describes you then we think you’re doing picnics wrong! So here we’re sharing some tips for a great picnic.

Buy your picnic food from a local deli, it will be immeasurable nicer and easier. Also, make sure you choose the right spot. If you usually find sitting on a picnic rug damp and uncomfortable, you’ll be pleased to know that in Perthshire there are many stunning local beauty spots that have picnic benches provided. And if you already love a picnic, you’ll definitely want to try out any of these favourite locations that you haven’t already: 

Kenmore Beach

is a fabulous picnic spot on a sunny day when you also fancy doing some paddling or water sports. There’s amazing views down to Ben Lawers too. Just be aware that it can get very busy on sunny weekends or holidays, so have an alternative location in mind. 

Loch Leven

Loch Leven Heritage Trail starts off with a wide green where several picnic benches are dotted about, and also has a children’s play park and lots of open space. There’s a stretch of sandy shoreline too, and opportunities for bird spotting and visiting historical sites.

Aillean Forest

This car park is located above Queen’s View at Loch Tummel, and as such has fabulous views. Several picnic benches are dotted about and so it makes a great stop off point if you’re taking a scenic drive round the loch, or out to Rannoch. 

Faskally Wood

Faskally Wood benefits from ample parking next to the various picnic benches, and is conveniently located just outside Pitlochry. There’s also the option for a not too strenuous stroll around Loch Dunmore when all the food is gone! 

Birks of Aberfeldy

The car park at the Birks has tucked its picnic benches away into little secluded corners. At this time of year it is full of blossoms and birdsong. It’s also the perfect spot if you fancy combining your picnic with a lovely walk. 

Birks of Aberfeldy

Of course, those are just a few options for picnicking in Perthshire, but there’s plenty more! See what you can find while exploring this summer.

Inspired to get out and picnic in the beautiful surrounds of Perthshire? Here are some great suggestions for food.

Deli Counter Picnic Delight

Pick up a picnic box from our deli counter and choose from the wonderful selection of quiches, salads, Scotch eggs, sausage rolls, charcuterie meats and add a little something from our famous in-store bakery and voila you have your own delicious picnic! An ideal treat any time.

Loch Leven’s Larder: Channel Farm near Kinross, Perth & Kinross-shire, KY13 9HD

Wild Picnics at Straloch

An appetite for adventure? Enjoy a fully catered, fabulous picnic at our hidden lunch hut up in the hills. Access to our remote lunch hut is either an hour’s walk or a thirty minute off-road drive in our Land Rover. Whether a romantic treat for two or a holiday highlight for ten, allow us to create a unique gourmet experience that will live long in your memory. Everything on our extensive menu is freshly prepared by Penny, our resident chef.

Available by prior arrangement only. For details on menus, availability and pricing, please contact Penny on 07920 062809 or penny@straloch.com.

Straloch Highland Experience: Straloch, Blairgowrie, PH10 7PH

Thyme Deli at Errichel

Our beautiful Deli in Aberfeldy has become the worst kept secret amongst Perthshire’s foodies! Occupying our oak-beamed farmhouse kitchen, the Deli and Farm Shop offers a fabulous range of homemade, local, and Scottish produce, as well as international favourites. We also stock award-winning Errichel reared and made products.And if all that shopping has tired you out, why not pay a restorative visit to our adjoining Thyme Bistro for coffee, cake, or something more substantial?

Mon – Sun 10am-8pm (Wednesday and Thursday 10am-5pm).

Thyme Deli: Crieff Road, Aberfeldy, PH15 2EL 01887 820850, thyme@errichel.co.uk.

Beautiful Ballintaggart Picnics

Our delicious picnic includes: a sourdough sandwich, a sausage roll or slice of quiche, seasonal fruit, Torres crisps, a signature Ballintaggart brownie (g.f), a tin of Perello olives, Repscallion soda. Why not add a chilled half bottle of Thienot Champagne for £25. 

Picnic hampers and blankets are also available for a £10 refundable deposit. Postcard with local suggested walks comes as standard. 

Mon – Sat 10am-5pm. Booking required 24hours in advance. Minimum of 2 people. Collection and pay from the Shop.

Ballintaggart: Unit 1, Aberfeldy Industrial Estate, Dunkeld Road, Aberfeldy PH15 2AQ

Provender Brown

A well-stocked deli counter is a thing of foodie dreams and Provender Brown has built one of the best! Our seriously good cheese selection is legendary – and that’s just for starters. Charcuterie sliced to order includes hams from Puddledub Pork in Fife and so much more. These sit alongside fresh pates from Patchwork Foods and the most amazing scotch eggs from Scotch & Co, gourmet pies and sausage rolls, a fabulous assortment of olives, tomorosso tomatoes and balsamic soaked onions. Food of the Gods indeed! 

Open Mon – Sat 9am-5pm.

Provender Brown: 23 George Street, Perth PH1 5JY, 01738 587300, info@provenderbrown.co.uk

Taymouth Courtyard Shop

The Courtyard Shop was opened in July 2005 and has since become a very popular visitor destination open all year round. We make our own Loch Tay Soft Fudge right here on site and visitors come from miles around to taste and buy. Stocking a wide range of gorgeous local produce, gifts and homeware, hampers and delicious Arran Ice Cream, you are sure to find something to suit all tastes. The beautiful Loch Tay and scenic river walks are just on our doorstep. 

Open daily 9am-5pm.

Mains of Taymouth Delicatessan & Gifts: Kenmore, Near Aberfeldy, PH15 2HN 01887 830756, Info@taymouthcourtyard.com

Scottish Deli

During the day, we are an amazing speciality food larder and gourmet sandwich take-away. We also serve delicious salads, soups, homemade cakes and scones. To drink we serve a variety of soft drinks, teas and fantastic freshly ground Glenlyon coffee. With a full licence, we can also offer a wonderful range of wines, spirits, Scottish Gins and Scottish craft beers. 

Mon – Sat 9.30am-11pm, Sun 10am-11pm.

Scottish Deli: 1 Atholl St, Dunkeld, PH2 0AR 01350 728028

The Crieff Food Co

Our ethos is “let’s go local”, and we now have products from over 100 local suppliers and producers, from essential everyday shopping to one-off treats there is something for all, this is why we were crowned UK Food Hall of the year 2020 at the Farm Shop and Deli Awards.

Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-4pm

The Crieff Food Co: 3 High Street/James Square, Crieff, Perth, PH7 3HX01764 655817 | info@thecriefffoodco.co.uk

Gloagburn Farm Shop

Gloagburn Farm Shop is owned and run by 3rd generation farmers Ian and Alison Niven. Everything is made on the premises, from the pastry to the jam, which ensures the quality, consistency and freshness of our offering. Our farm shop stocks a range that includes our very popular and extensive range of Gloagburn homemade products. Our deli counter showcases delicious Scottish and continental cheeses, our farm reared Gloagburn steak pies and freshly made salads straight from our kitchen.

Mon 8.30am-4pm; Tues – Sun 8.30am-5.30pm

Gloagburn Farm: Tibbermore, Perth01738 840864 | office@gloagburn.co.uk

Subrosa Deli

Independently owned Delicatessen in Pitlochry, Scotland. Selling quality deli items and serving barista made coffee, sweet treats & freshly prepared sandwiches made to order.

Tues – Sat 10am-4pm.

Scottish Deli: 47B Atholl Rd, Pitlochry, Perth and Kinross, PH16 5BX07585 929968 | subrosadelipitlochry@gmail.com