Explore the beautiful bounty on your doorstep this National Picnic Week
Whether you’re looking for a dreamy setting to enjoy an al fresco supper for two or a wild and wonderous spot to work up the family’s appetite, Scotland has all the ingredients for a successful picnic.
Ahead of National Picnic Week (21-30 June) we look to give you just a taste of what Dumfries & Galloway’s rolling hills, stunning coastlines and historic attractions can bring to your picnic experience.
And it’s not just the stunning surroundings that makes the Scottish Borders the first pick for a picnic, the fantastic food and drink made here will leave you spoiled for choice when it comes to your outdoor spread. So pack up your basket and explore the beautiful bounty on your doorstep…
Dumfries & Galloway
Take a short climb up Bennan Hill through the woods near the picturesque village of New Galloway and you’re rewarded with a stunning view over the tranquil vista of Loch Ken. As part of the Galloway Red Kite Trail it is the perfect location to catch these magnificent birds and indulge in a spot of wildlife watching while you graze.
Further south and the formidable Threave Castle comes into view. This massive tower house on the banks of the River Dee was built in the late 14th century by Archibald the Grim, Lord of Galloway and became the stronghold of the Black Douglases. Enjoy a picnic by the river followed by a picturesque walk through the fields and woods to a small jetty – you can only access the castle by boat.
For that ocean breeze, take the South West Coastal 300 to the West and the charming Killantringan Bay near Portpatrick. Soak up the sea view on the golden sands or head along the coast to the nearby Killantringan lighthouse, designed by David Alan Stevenson, cousin of author Robert Louis Stephenson, which featured in the Gerard Butler-starring 2019 film, The Vanishing. Why not relax with a few pages from Treasure Island?
What to pack in your picnic… Dumfries and Galloway offer tasty treats to dine out and about on. To stock up on local delicacies, head to the historic market town of Castle Douglas which has been designated a “Food Town” due to it housing around 50 local businesses producing or selling food and drink. A picnic wouldn’t be a picnic without a slice of quiche and so why not make your own using the delicious Cream O’Galloway cheese? For those with a sweet tooth, the traditional Moffat Toffee, still produced in the town of Moffat, is the answer. Made to an old Blacklock family recipe dating back to the late 19th century, the toffee offers a boiled sweet with a tangy centre.
Hope we have given you some food for thought? Or do you have a favourite picnic spot that trumps the rest? Maybe there’s somewhere with a great trail for exploring with the kids, or a secluded spot with a view for two? Share them on the VisitScotland iknow community here and discover more of Scotland this #NationalPicnicWeek.
