Great Picnic Spots

Strathbraan

Perthshire's secret storybook strath and glens... Amulree, Strathbraan and Glen Quaich lie within a golden triangle, between Dunkeld, Aberfeldy and the Sma Glen. Peaceful, secluded, and off the beaten path, but minutes from the A9, the main Scottish arterial route and the mainline railway station of Dunkeld and Birnam.

Established more than two centuries past as one of Scotland's first tourist routes, the charms, secrets, lively characters and stunning landscapes have been little known, slumbering in the half light of history. The area brims with characters, from centuries past to the present day residents. Their combined vitality and creative talents keep this area very much alive.

Swashbuckling legends such as Rob Roy and Bonnie Prince Charlie passed through here. The road building colossus General George Wade constructed his many miles of Military routes here. Poet William Wordsworth penned an ode to 'The Lonely Inn' at Amulree. Visit Loch Freuchie in Glen Quaich, enjoy a pitcure-postcard setting with an abundance of wildlife and idyllic walks. Make sure you take a minute to visit Amulree & Strathbraan Church, pop inside to view the information display on the history of the area.

An artist who relished this quiet area was Pre Raphaelite painter Sir John Everrett Millais. He loved painting away his summer holidays over 20 years, renting Rumbling Bridge cottage, which became a hotbed of scandal as he eloped with Ruskin's wife, Perth born Effie Gray. The cottage still stands, as do the scenes of his painting. Later, European Royalty fanned out over the moors from a nearby turreted shooting lodge.

Musical legends lived and loved here, such as famous fiddle player Niel Gow; while legendary modern musicians such as Pete Clark keep his genius alive. Beatrix Potter's inspiration figure for Mrs Tiggywinkle spent her early childhood on a remote farm here.

This is fungi foraging country; hares race across the fields, ospreys, red kites and buzzards fly overhead. The very tallest of 'Big Trees' grow here, from the highest Douglas Fir at the Hermitage to an impressive half mile avenue of ancient oaks.

Walks span well marked riverside routes, and little known tracks. Explore hidden places such as one of the highest hill passes in Scotland, the mystical deserted fairy village in Ballinloan, the Hermitage Routes, drove roads, heritage paths, Wade Roads, wild swimming and quad biking.

View an magical map of Strathbraan by clicking here... seeing really is believing!

The Beach at Kenmore

Sitting in the heart of Breadalbane (Braghad Albainn in Gaelic), Loch Tay is Scotland's sixth largest loch, stretching from Killin in the west to Kenmore in the east. Although fed principally by the River Dochart, numerous burns spill into Loch Tay from the mountains dominating its northern and southern shores, lands which were historically known as Disher and Toyer.

At the very eastern end of Loch Tay at Kenmore is a beach that has both sand and shingle. It shelves very gently, so in the summer the water really warms up as it is trapped by the prevailing winds. It is a popular spot for bathing, so launching of boats is not permitted.

Picnic Spot by Kinloch Rannoch

There's parking here and a picnic table, right by the River Tummel as it flows out of Loch Rannoch. On the route of a circular walk around Kinloch Rannoch.

Black Spout Waterfall and Woodland

The Black Spout is an impressive waterfall, some sixty metres high on the Edradour Burn, which has a specially constructed viewing platform from which great views can be enjoyed. It is situated within Black Spout Wood where a specially constructed circular path through the ageing oak woodland offers the chance to see wildlife such as the roe deer, greater spotted woodpecker and red squirrel in their natural habitat The woodlands flank the Atholl Palace Hotel grounds where visitors are invited to wander through the grounds and marvel at the noble fir, Western red cedar, poplar Douglas fir and coast redwood.

There is a large car park and picnic area is located on the outskirts of the woodland.

Picture copyright Karen Vernon and licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence

Faskally Wood Picnic Spot.

A wonderful picnic spot, ideal for families with children and the disabled, Faskally Wood lies on the shore of Loch Faskally and is part of the Tay Forest Park. The layout of the wood was created in the 19th century in the grounds of Faskally House, which was used as a Forestry Commission school. Within the wood, close to the car park and picnic site, lies the tranquil Loch Dunmore, with its boat house and picturesque timber footbridge. There is a network of signposted walks that have recently been updated to Access for All standards through the Heritage & Access Project.

Picture copyright Donald Curry and licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence.