It seems the last few Oakeley Arms blog posts have all had a foodie theme, so we thought we may as well continue it with a sneak peek at this year’s National Picnic Week!

We love a good picnic, and seeing as though the sun has finally decided to make an appearance this year and it feels as if summer is finally on the way, why not come and celebrate National Picnic Week with us?

This year, the special week dedicated to eating all fresco and enjoying a spot of breakfast, lunch, dinner or afternoon tea in the great outdoors takes place between the 13th and 21st June (starts Saturday). A picnic is one of the oldest summer traditions, and it’s a great way to take advantage of some of the wonderful outside spaces and glorious views we have here in Snowdonia. A picnic can also be a brilliant to catch up with friends and family, and it doesn’t have to cost the earth either. Some simple picnic food like sandwiches, salads, pies (and don’t forget the cake for pudding) is all it takes to make a great summer picnic.

So, to celebrate National Picnic Week here are our top local picnic areas:

• Llyn Mair – less than a mile up the road from the Oakeley Arms Hotel this lovely tranquil lake has some brilliant picnic spots as well as a short walk round the lake to work up an appetite.

• Harlech Beach – If it’s windy then don’t forget to keep hold of your sandwiches, but on a calm day this beach is a glorious picnic location. It can get busy though, so get there early to get a good spot.

• Borth-y-Gest beach – the beaches near this lovely village are perfect for a picnic because there are lots of little coves and hiding places to escape from the crowds. As well as lots of gorgeous golden sand and rockpools for the kids to splash about in.

• Barmouth Panorama – so named because of the stunning views that you can see from this lovely vantage point, across the gorgeous Mawddach estuary, a picnic here definitely won’t disappoint. There’s a little walk from the nearest car park, but it’s definitely worth it. Apparently one of William Wordsworth’s favourite spots (outside of his beloved Lake District that is…..)

• Criccieth Castle – climb to the top of the hill that this lovely old rambling castle was built on in the twelfth century and it’s easy to see just why they chose this spot. Lovely views across Cardigan Bay, and if you’re lucky you might spot one of the bottlenose dolphins that visit during the summer months.
• The top of Snowdon – you’ll deserve a picnic after a hike to the top of Wales’ highest mountain. Get there early to avoid the crowds!

• Portmeirion – this gorgeous Italianate village has picnic potential written all over it because there are so many wonderful spots to stop and enjoy the view. Have your lunch in the lovely plaza square by the water pools or take it down to the private beach if you don’t mind a bit of a walk.

• Beddgelert – this pretty village has several lovely picnic sites; either enjoy the peace and quiet down by the river, or take your picnic into nearby Beddgelert forest to escape the crowds.

These are just a small selection of picnic spots in Snowdonia, there are literally thousands of them, so we’re sure you’ll find the perfect spot for you. Wherever you enjoy your picnic please make sure you leave no trace of your picnic and take away all your rubbish and leftover food so that lots more people can enjoy the wonderful, unspoilt picnic spots of Snowdonia.

Happy National Picnic Week everyone. What will you pack in yours?

Everyone loves a picnic!