A9 Lay-bys

eyebrowsb

In a couple of weeks time we'll be heading north to a CL at East Mey.  We'll be heading north from Blairgowrie and will want to stop for a break after crossing the Cromarty Firth towards Tain.  Does anyone know if there is a decent sized Lay-by, well off the road which would be suitable to stop for lunch and let our dog stretch her legs?

Thanks in advance for any replies!

EasyT

You could look at this map and click where you are interested or zoom in and move map to suit. 

https://www.geograph.org.uk/browser/#!/content_id=141693/display=map/pagesize=100

Tinwheeler

Why not try the short detour into Dornoch, park above the beach, eat your lunch and exercise your dog on the dog friendly beach? Far better than a layby.

Edit: Sorry, just realised you’re a caravanner so it may not be possible😕

eyebrowsb

Thanks for your replies!  Just looking for a quick stop en-route (20 mins at most) and was hoping that someone knew of a suitable lay-by. I'll have a look at Easy T's map.  Thanks for that!

brue

Lyn, I think we usually find a stop around Loch Fleet but you'll just have to look for a suitable layby when you spot one. The road gets more hilly as you head towards Helmsdale, I can't think of any actual pull offs but you will definitely find a lay by, often with a good view as you head north.

eyebrowsb

Thanks brue, our problem seems to be that we suddenly come upon a good place to stop when it's too late to pull in!  

EasyT

In Google Earth or maps you can measure distance in miles from an obvious point such as a side road etc.

We no longer travel the distance between sites to be a problem 

eyebrowsb

Thanks Easy T!

brue

Lyn, you'll find the A9 north of Tain/Dornoch is a bit "up and down dale" and you'll probably find some slow stretches where it's easy to spot stopping places. We've done this route many times with a caravan and now a motorhome.  Hope you enjoy your journey north.

eyebrowsb

Thanks brue!