Best Picnic Spots in the Highlands

No day trip is complete without a picnic! So we have shared what we think are some of the best picnic spots in the Highlands:

Loch Morar

If you are visiting the beautiful beaches of the West coast, such as Arisaig or Traigh but fancy a quieter spot for your picnic then we recommend you head to Loch Morar. This freshwater loch, home to Nessie’s cousin Morag according to legend, offers an easy picnic location straight from your car. And usually with fewer people.

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 60 miles.

Loch Etive

If you plan to visit Loch Etive around lunchtime then you have no choice but to take a picnic with you as this beautifully remote loch has no facilities. After turning off the A82 in Glencoe you follow a twisty single track road 13 miles through the incredible Glen Etive. Make sure and have your camera at the ready as this is one of those roads where the journey is just as amazing as the destination!

On arriving at the car park at the end of the road, grab your picnic and head to the beach where you’ll be able to enjoy the wonderful panoramic views of the loch and the surrounding mountains.

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 50 miles.

Loch Shiel

At some point during your stay in the Highlands you are bound to head to Glenfinnan to see the Jacobite steam train crossing the viaduct and the Glenfinnan Monument. We recommend you take a picnic with you to eat at the head of Loch Shiel. Once the train has passed by and the crowds have dispersed it’s a lovely, peaceful spot to sit and eat your lunch.

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 55 miles.

Commando Loop walk

The Commando Memorial loop walk is one of our favourites to do from our doorstep. Head out of the village towards the memorial itself and you will come across a sign pointing to the left saying ‘Historic Highbridge’. Take this path which initially meanders along the River Spean before heading inland towards the historic Highbridge, part of General Wade’s Military Road and finally the Commando Memorial. From the memorial you have the option to follow the road back down to the village for a 7km walk. Alternatively you can return the way you came for a longer walk of around 9km.

We recommend you return the way you came as not too far from the end of the path there is a bench with the most wonderful views of Ben Nevis and the whole Nevis Range. It is the perfect spot for your picnic.

Distance From Burnbank Lodges: Less than 1 mile.

Camusdarach Beach

Camusdarach Beach is one of the most popular beach spots on the West coast. After parking in the small designated car park, follow the beach path through the sand dunes for a couple of minutes before suddenly the beach opens up in front of you.

You’ll soon see why it is such a popular spot with its white sand and perfectly blue sea. Eat your picnic here while enjoying the views over to the Small Isles of Eigg, Muck and Rum as well as over to the Isle of Skye.

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 46 miles.

Glencoe Lochan

Glencoe Lochan is a great place with a choice of short walks. Whether you choose a walk around the lochan itself or a longer woodland trail that climbs up into the forest that surrounds it, you will find a path suitable for everyone.

Whichever walk you choose we recommend bringing your picnic with you and eating it on one of the many benches around the lochan. It’s a lovely peaceful environment where you can eat your lunch while being entertained by the local mallards who call the place home.

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 26 miles.

Inchree Falls

Inchree Falls are a stunning series of three waterfalls and are well worth a visit. You have the choice of a 5km loop walk or a shorter walk just up to the top of the highest waterfall and back. Both are lovely walks and have wonderful views along the way as the path climbs uphill almost immediately giving lovely views across Loch Linnhe and the Ardgour Hills. You’ll find two viewing platforms to enjoy the falls from, each with benches so you can rest and take in the view.

Both walks lead you back towards the car park you started at. A short walk from the car park you will find a picnic bench, the perfect spot for your post walk refreshments.

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 19 miles.

Gairlochy beach

Take a short walk along the Caledonian Canal to the Gairlochy Lighthouse with wonderful views out over Loch Lochy. Below the lighthouse you will find a lovely pebble beach to sit and enjoy your sandwiches.

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 4 miles.

Kingairloch

Head to Kingairloch for the morning and spot the wild goats who live on the hillside. You may also be lucky enough to spot sea eagles in the sky and otters on the shore as we did on our last visit! After a spot of wildlife watching, head to the beach with your picnic and enjoy the view across the crystal blue sea.

Distance from Burnbank Lodges: 35 miles.

Burnbank Lodges

Why not enjoy lunch on your private balcony or patio here at Burnbank Lodges? You can sit and enjoy a relaxing and peaceful lunch while taking in the view and listening to the birdsong.