5 great places to have a picnic (including Rosemarkie and Knockan Crag NNR)
The hot weather looks set to continue for this weekend at least so, if you are able to get out and about, where might you eat al fresco?
Bught Park and Whin Park
Inverness
So close to each other it is worth treating them, as more or less one space, Bught Park is the largest park in Inverness while Whin Park has all the adventure play little ones could hope for plus boats on the lake and a handy café offering drinks, sweets, ice cream. There's also a public tolilet too.
Both are within walking distance of each other and easily accessible from the city centre. Both are also close to the Ness Islands offering riverside seating options and, under the trees, somewhere cooler to sit if the heat is just too much (or to shelter from the predicted rain!).
Rosemarkie Beach
Black Isle
If you are lucky enough to be there at the right time you can enjoy watching the resident bottlenose dolphins cavorting at Chanonry Point by Fortrose (but don't put yourself in danger or disturb their natural behaviour by trying to get too close) before walking along the sandy stretch to Rosemarkie itself.
There you can find plenty of places to picnic either sitting on the beac or around and about the popular Rosemarkie Beach Café.
Backed by woods too there is a path that will lead you through the Fairy Glen and up to the picturesque falls there as well.
Culbin Forest
by Nairn
Accessible from the beach at Nairn, via the Lochloy Holiday Park, this is nine miles of pine wood stretching all the way to Findhorn.
Marked trails offer different options for walking and nature lovers are bound to find plenty to keep them interested among the numerous flora and fauna that call the forest home.
It's also possible to exit the forest after not too long a stroll and enjoy what is usually the relative quiet of Nairn East Beach if you prefer.
Dores Beach
Loch Ness
Well-known for offering some of the best views of the world-famous loch the pebbly beach on the water's north tip is of course often very busy with tourists and locals alike, the latter appreciating its relative accessibility from the city.
Get there early and claim your spot is probably the best advice for this one!
Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve
Ullapool
Actually in Assynt, about 13 miles north of Ullapool, it's worth making the trip if you are a keen hiker looking to appreciate the natural beauty of this low, rocky hill.
Managed by NatureScot there are a number of places to stop for a spot to eat within the site, just letting it all soak in before you continue on your way.
What would you add to this list from Ross-shire's treasure trove of options?
