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. But if the latter describes you then we think you’re doing picnics wrong! Here’s some tips for a great picnic:

Buy your picnic food from a local deli, it will be immeasurably nicer and easier. Think scotch eggs, pork pies, tubs of tomatoes and olives, cheese and chutneys, and fresh, crusty bread. And do get yourself a nice hamper or quality cool box — there’s something very dispiriting about unpacking a picnic from a plastic bag.

Also — 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

Kenmore beach is a fabulous picnic spot on a sunny day, with amazing views down to Ben Lawers and several picnic benches if you prefer not to get sandy! The Courtyard Deli is very handily located just over the bridge if you’re looking for somewhere nearby to buy your picnic.

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. Loch Leven’s Larder makes a convenient spot to pick up your lunch first.

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 it makes a particularly 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, where there’s a range of food options. And you can enjoy a gentle stroll around peaceful 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. There’s no deli as such in Aberfeldy now, but many of the cafes do takeaway lunches.

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