From quiet countryside paths, woodland walks, hilly retreats with wonderful views, and idyllic coastal locations, there are many, many places across Moray, the Highlands and Scotland to enjoy a peaceful picnic.
Indulge in a beautiful Summer picnic with our special Highland Gathering Luxury Wicker Hamper, lined with Baxters’ commemorative 150th Anniversary Tartan and comprising of twenty delights sourced from across Scotland.
Cullen
Only a few miles away from our Speyside home in Fochabers, Cullen is a firm favourite for many people in the local area and for visitors from further afield.
At Cullen Beach, settle down surrounded by rocks which tower out of the sand, known as ‘The Three Kings’, and beneath the former railway viaduct which spans across the village. Perhaps, if there’s a cool sea breeze, you may enjoy some Cullen Skink with its distinct smoked flavour.
At the smaller but equally popular Cullen Harbour, you can enjoy the warmth of the water and the soothing sound of the sea whilst looking inwards towards the small Seatown cottages or out across the bay towards the famous Bow Fiddle Rock, which is just around the corner at Portnockie.
Lossiemouth
With Lossiemouth, the jewel of the Moray Firth, visitors are spoiled for choice with two beautiful beaches: the East Beach and the West Beach.
Accessible by crossing a newly opened bridge over the River Lossie or through a forest path, Lossiemouth’s East Beach is roughly two kilometres in length and gives a perfect view capturing many of Moray’s other coastal towns and villages. Bring out your picnic blanket and lay it amongst the sandy dunes, lift the lid on your hamper and enjoy a feast with a panoramic view.
The West Beach is located just at the other side of Lossiemouth, starting from the 133-year-old Moray Golf Club and passing by the 176-year-old Covesea Lighthouse. Planning is key if you wish to enjoy a seaside picnic on the West Beach, as getting onto the beach can be a little trickier at the time of high tide.
Sandend
Situated in the slightly sheltered Sandend Bay, in between Cullen and Portsoy, Sandend Beach is, according to Visit Aberdeenshire, often referred to as ‘Cornwall without the crowds’ and is a nice and secluded spot to enjoy some fine Scottish fare.
Sandend has a small campsite where the land meets the sand, the bay is popular with those enjoying watersports such as surfing and, like other beaches along the coast, also has some interesting historical remains of World War II coastal defences.
Findhorn
The most westerly beach in Moray, Findhorn Beach can be a perfect place to spot some bottlenose dolphins, seals, porpoises, whales and sharks surfacing in the water of the Moray Firth and all while you sit down and discover delicious food and drink treats.
And, who says a picnic is just for one sunny afternoon?! There are also a number of colourfully painted wooden beach huts along the pebbles of Findhorn Beach and some of these can even be booked to stay in for a day, or two.
Loch Morlich
Although more than an hour’s drive away from the nearest seaside spot, the sandy shores of Scotland’s only award-winning fresh water loch, Loch Morlich, are a beautiful place to sit down and enjoy a picnic, as well as other activities including swimming, canoeing and paddleboarding.
Sitting beneath the summit of the sixth highest mountain in Scotland; Cairn Gorm, Loch Morlich is situated only a few miles from the Highland town of Aviemore within the Cairngorms National Park and is regularly recorded as one of the warmest Scottish locations.
Scottish Outdoor Access Code
While enjoying the great outdoors and your picnic hamper, you should follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code to take care and be mindful of yourself, others and the environment. Take any litter home with you or use bins provided, use equipment carefully and adhere to any notices which are there to keep everyone and the environment safe and undisturbed.
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