5 Best Spots to Enjoy a Picnic in Skye
On a sunny day, pack a bag of edible goodies and head for a quiet spot to enjoy a delicious picnic! We share some of our favourite places to eat ‘al fresco’!
1. Stride out across the tidal causeway at Oronsay near Struan
Park your car at the end of the Oronsay road (off the single track Ullinish loop road in between Ose and Struan) and head out across the croft to the causeway to Oronsay. It takes about 15 minutes to walk there and some of it is uphill… but the views ARE worth it! You can either eat on the rocks and sand at the causeway itself, or continue over to Oronsay. Climb up and find a spot on the hillside to sit and admire those panoramic views! Plan your day around the tides. The causeway gets covered over at high tide and Oronsay becomes an island again.
Where to buy your picnic goodies
Pick up some lovely savoury muffins and cakes from Bog Myrtle in Struan before you turn off to Ullinish (check opening times before you go).
2. Get the sand between your toes at Ashaig Beach near Breakish
Travelling south go through Broadford and look for the third turning on the left just before the wee bridge. If you are heading from Kyleakin, once you have passed the Broadford Air Strip look for the turning on the right hand side after the wee bridge. Follow this road down towards Ashaig cemetery where you can park and walk down to the beach.
As well as offering fantastic views, Ashaig is of great historical significance. It is closely connected with Saint Maolrubha (c.642-722), the apostle to Skye, who is said to have occupied the small island of Pabay (opposite the beach). Ashaig is the site of the sacred spring that is believed to have started when the saint tore a small tree from the ground. Also visible are Pulpit’s rock Creag an leabhair (literally “the rock of the book”) where he is said to have preached.
The cemetery is also worth a look as well.
Where to buy your picnic goodies
Pick up a delicious sandwich packed with Scottish produce on a choice of locally made freshly baked breads at Deli Gasta They also do some tempting sweet things too! Get there early as they sell out fast.
3.Watch the boats and seabirds overlooking Portree Bay
If you are in Portree and don’t want to drive anywhere, follow the road out of town up along Bosville Terrace and then down to Scorrybreac (signposted to the Cuillin Hills Hotel) Cross the wee bridge and continue along the Scorrybreac pathway. There is a picnic bench there which you can use (if its not already taken!) or you can continue along a little further past the boathouse and through the gate. This pathway leads you along the headland and offers fabulous views across the bay. There are benches at various points along the way.
Where to buy your picnic goodies
Portree offers plenty of options to grab some food and drink. There is the small Co-op supermarket on the brae as you approach Bosville Terrace. Or try Relish deli – they have delicious fresh sandwiches, soups and cakes all made locally.
4. Romantic ruins above the Sound of Sleat.
A romantic picnic spot amongst the ruins of the abandoned village of Leitir Fura with stupendous views across to Loch Hourn and Sandaig Island (setting of Gavin Maxwell’s ‘Ring of Bright Water’), Isle Ornsay and all the way south to Mallaig.
You need to walk to get there – but trust us, it is worth it! The circular route of about 7km (just under 4.5 miles) starts at a small car park, about a mile along a forestry road in Kinloch Forest (signed from the A851, four miles south of Broadford, almost opposite the Drumfearn road end). At the car park you will find information boards with a map and details of the walk. Be prepared for it to be a little muddy underfoot in places.
Where to buy your picnic goodies
If you are driving south then stop by Deli Gasta in Broadford or if you are heading up from Armadale then pop in for provisions at the community run local shop An Crubh at Duisdale Beag near Isle Oronsay in Sleat.
5. Wildlife spotting at Faidhairt near Dunvegan
The Fiadhairt peninsula in Loch Dunvegan is a great place for wildlife spotting and relatively easy to reach from the road (about a 15 minute walk). Great for sitting down with your picnic to watch the local seal colony. You also get the chance to explore the ruins of the iron age broch Dun Fiadhairt. Begin from the gate at NG239508, on the left of the road running from Dunvegan to Claigan. The views across the loch with its tiny islets are outstanding.
Where to buy your picnic goodies
The village of Dunvegan is home to the islands oldest bakery where you can pick up some lovely cakes and bread. There is also Fasgadh Stores stocking a wide variety of food and drink (including some Scottish cheeses) and opposite is the Fruit and Nut Place for some fresh produce.
PICNIC CODE
- take midge repellent and /or sun cream (you never know!)
- use a blanket or ground sheet to sit on to protect yourself from ticks (check for ticks when you leave and again when you get back to your accommodation)
- take binoculars and a camera – you never know what you might see whilst you are munching!
- if your chosen picnic spot involves a walk – make sure that you are appropriately dressed with sensible shoes and a waterproof jacket (just in case!). And take a map too!
- Always take your rubbish away with you when you leave (including left over food and banana skins!). Dispose of your rubbish in appropriate bins.
- do not leave discarded cigarette buts or matches
- do not light fires
- never pick the wild flowers – leave them where they are there for everyone to enjoy!
Photograph Credits
Leitir Fura Information Board
cc-by-sa/2.0 – © Glen Breaden – geograph.org.uk/p/2411328