Not sure if this is the right forum for this - but did a search and couldn't find anything similar...
We will be towing from Dundee to Gairloch at the weekend. It will be our first long journey and I hoped someone would be able to recommend a lunch stop on our route (going up the A9, then across from Inverness). Whilst towing has been going well we'd rather not have to do tricky manoeuvring just to stop for lunch. We will have an 8 year old and 2 dogs that could do with a run around to relieve the boredom (probably have a picnic with us so facilities not that important, although toilets would be nice).
Hi there, we are off up that way tomorrow morning en route to Dingwall. Our lunch stop will be at Ralia. This is just before the turnoff to Newtonmore. It is signposted and it is on the correct side of the road so you dont have to cross the carriageway. Cant think of anywhere else on this side of the road. The first time we were up that way looking for somewhere to stop we went into Newtonmore and parked in the main street and found a little shop. We stopped at Ralia the next time ang glad we did. They do soup, sandwiches etc. and there is a place to walk the dogs as we walk ours there.When you turn off you go down the road a wee bit the the caravan parking is just on the right hand side. Looks like this was the old road at one time. When you come out you turn right and then left and you are back on to the A9 again. Someone else might come up with another suggestion but this suits us in fact we stop here even when we dont have the caravan.
ahhh, a run we do regularly, we're in Dundee and the wife's family are in gairloch.
couple of nice places in Aviemore but parking whilst towing is difficult so best avoided.
cheap and cheerful is tesco's in Inverness, large carpark and fuel (i'll come back to that in a minute), head up the elgin road, it's about 2 minutes from the A9, also up there is the Snow Goose, similar to brewers fayre, decent grub the last time we were in.
there are loads of small places by the road once you're at Contin but don't expect them to be cheap.
right fuel is criminally expensive once you're out of inverness, expect to pay a premium of 10ppl or more so if you need fuel put in the bare minimum to get you back to inverness.
You're quite fortunate now, the road is soooooo much better than it used to be, there's only a few miles of single track now, there used to be about 40 miles until about 3-4 years ago, it is a relative joy now :)
what campsite are you using?
oh and make sure you try the chip shop just round from the Millcroft hotel, tis very good but watch the opening times ;)
Ralia would be best to give everyone a chance to stretch their legs in safety and the loo. Wouldn't recommend the coffee there though, it was last time, but if you have a picnic there are lots of benches and tables to sit at if it's nice.
The fuel price once you pass Inverness is a good point too
There are plenty of nice pull in points on the A9 if you just want to stop and have a sandwich & coffee. Gives the faster cars a chance to get past you safely as well! You'll need a bucket for a loo though!
theres a little bar/restaurant in dalwhinnie which does amazing coffee and food.massive car park as well so manouvering the van would be easy and theres ample room to stretch the legs.
google the dalwhinnie inn
------------- Who needs travel agents,we have our static
We'll be staying at Big Sands - stayed there with the tent before and liked it so hope the caravan field is as nice as being in the dunes. Easy site with child and dogs in tow - lots of space for everyone to run about in (although I hope the weather improves a bit...)
Quote: Originally posted by fife-bloke on 15/7/2010
theres a little bar/restaurant in dalwhinnie which does amazing coffee and food.massive car park as well so manouvering the van would be easy and theres ample room to stretch the legs.
google the dalwhinnie inn
OOh had forgotten about this place... lovely to stop there for a while. I'd like to stay for a week!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Lunch stop A9...any suggestions?
last time, but if you have a picnic there are lots of benches and tables to sit at if it's nice.
