5 Best Picnic Spots in the Cairngorms National Park (With Wild Swimming Options)

The Cairngorms National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the UK for a summer picnic. Whether you're planning a relaxing lunch in nature or looking to combine it with a refreshing dip, the park offers an incredible range of scenic spots that are perfect for couples, families, or solo travellers.

Here are five of the best picnic locations in the Cairngorms, each with easy access and natural beauty - and a few with safe places to swim outdoors.

1. Loch an Eilein, Rothiemurchus

Located just outside Aviemore on the stunning Rothiemurchus estate, Loch an Eilein is a calm, tree-lined loch with views of a 13th-century island castle. It's a flat, accessible walk from the car park and a fantastic place for a picnic in nature. Shaded woodland and peaceful waters make this a favourite with both locals and visitors.

  • Facilities: car park (charges apply), toilets nearby

  • Swimming: yes – sheltered and safe for experienced swimmers

  • Post-picnic tip: look out for red squirrels in the surrounding forest

  • Check out our self catering barn loft, The Hayloft - a scenic walk from the loch

the iconic ruin at loch an eilein by Tim G @tim1001

2. Uath Lochans (The "Dragonfly Lochans"), Glen Feshie

Tucked away in Glen Feshie near Kincraig, these four small lochans offer a peaceful picnic experience away from the crowds. A short trail leads to a spectacular viewpoint above the lochans - ideal for working up an appetite or walking it off after lunch.

  • Facilities: small car park, no toilets

  • Swimming: possible but very remote - only for confident swimmers

  • Best for: quiet escapes and those seeking a more off-grid picnic location

3. Loch Morlich Beach

Yes, the Highlands have a beach! Loch Morlich offers sandy shores backed by Caledonian forest and overlooked by the Cairngorm mountains. It’s ideal for families, with plenty of space, water activities, and a café nearby.

  • Facilities: large car park, toilets, watersports centre, café

  • Swimming: yes – safe and monitored during summer months

  • Top tip: arrive early on sunny days - it’s a popular spot!

Ducks on the beach on Loch Morlich by Eric Latham

4. The Green Loch (An Lochan Uaine), Glenmore

This iconic loch is named for its unusual green colour - said to come from the fairies washing their clothes in the water. It’s about a 40-minute walk from Glenmore and makes a magical place to sit, eat, and paddle.

  • Facilities: parking at Glenmore Lodge or Reindeer Centre

  • Swimming: Yes – cool, clear and beautifully still but look out for leeches! There are benches overlooking the loch if you’d rather enjoy the scenery from the beach!

  • Don’t miss: the towering trees and soft forest light make this a photographer’s dream

5. Loch Insh Shoreline

A peaceful spot near Insh Watersports Centre, this lochside location is great for relaxed lunches, watersports, or an impromptu swim. There’s a café nearby and plenty of grassy space to spread out your blanket.

  • Facilities: café, watersports, toilets

  • Swimming: yyes – good access and shallow entry

  • Good for: families, paddleboarders and relaxed picnicking

Planning Your Picnic in the Cairngorms

For the perfect picnic, we recommend sourcing local treats like:

  • Fresh sourdough or pastries from KJ’s Bothy Bakery in Grantown

  • Smoked salmon from Rothiemurhus Farm Shop

  • Cheese from Connage Highland Dairy

Remember to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code - leave no trace, respect wildlife, and take your litter home. Most importantly, it’s best not to start camp fires during the hotter months of the year.

📍 Staying locally? Our self-catering cottages across Carrbridge and Aviemore make the perfect base for your Highland holiday. Browse our properties or check availability for your summer stay.