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 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 want to give you just a taste of what East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire & Inverclyde’s rugged cliffs, woodland canapes and waterside spots can bring to your picnic experience.

And it’s not just the stunning surroundings that makes East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire & Inverclyde 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...

Pick a picnic spot with a view along the Greenock Cut, a five mile aqueduct and a Designated Ancient Monument. The area offers wonderful walks, a fantastic vista over the Clyde and, for those with an inquisitive mind, an insight into the early industrial revolution. For all the family, a shorter walk will take you on a picturesque nature trail in search of hidden wood spirits through the Shielhill Glen, criss-crossing the Kip burn.

Looking for a wild day out? Then look no further than RSPB Scotland Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve, just 30 minutes from Glasgow. This wetland reserve, teaming with wildlife and fun family drop-in activities run by the RSPB, your budding naturalist will be in their element. Dine with the local wildlife, including otters, whooper swans, wigeons and ducks, then run off your feast at the play area or explore the accessible trails.

A buzzing community space and dog lovers delight, Rouken Glen Park has all the ingredients for picnic success and a lovely day out. Enjoy a walk around the beautiful boating pond then discover the cascading waterfall before finding a perfect spot in the walled garden for your blanket. A children’s play area will help little legs run off some energy while, an outdoor gym equipment trail, skateboard park and new tennis courts will keep the rest of the family entertained.

What to pack in your picnic... if you have a sweet tooth get online and visit The New Chocolate Company to make a special order ahead of your picnic for some Florentines or handmade chocolates. Pick up some scrumptious cakes from Three Sisters Bake in Quarrier’s Village and if that isn’t enough sugar for you, there are treats from the Wee Fudge Company in Clarkston.

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.

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