Rest stop in Scotland
Hi we are new to touring and couldn't find a suitable rest stop whilst travelling from Glasgow to Banchory. This is app 3.5 to 4 hr drive and after Perth there did not appear to be a suitable (caravan navigable) stop off on the A90. Does any member have someplace they have used and recommend.
Thinking of future trips in Scotland the A9 main road to Inverness from central belt, will present a similar concern apart from House of Bruar there are not many easily navigable rest spots - any ideas? Down south on the motorway network there are plenty of service stations and apart from the lack of space noted on a few other posts they all have HGV options which seem to have some pros and cons. So any experience worth sharing on the A road network??
Thanks
Comments
-
There are a couple of decent lay-bys going over Drumochter Pass, and on the new stretch of road from Kingussie to Aviemore.
0 -
The Ralia eco cafe on the A9 near Newtonmore is a good stopping off point. We have always found space to park our caravan.
0 -
Hi Steven, on the A90, I would pull into Stonehaven if you're looking for a decent break with petrol and cafes etc. ( down on front next to the CC site is nice and easily navigable).
On the A9, pull into Blair Atholl or Dalwhinnie for petrol. There are a couple of easy parking spots there too.
Otherwise, on both roads there are plenty of laybys, some really deep, for a quick cuppy stop.
Cheers, Alex.
0 -
If Stonehaven is too far, there's a Morrisons in Dundee. Great big car park, petrol, cafe, toilets. It's right on the A90.
0 -
Would agree with Alex Morrisons in Dundee, alternatively the big Asda at the start of the Kingsway. A little further up is the Strathcathro services though the car parks are rough.
I do West Lothian to Banchory a couple of times a year and do it one go. About 3 hours door to door.
0 -
There is a popular large lay-by near Drumochter, due to the views, but I would say all the way to Inverness there are plenty of other lay-bys, Ralia, as suggested is ok too, mostly you will have to use your own facilities as you travel further north. Probably why many like the journey north of Perth, it is not like "down south."
Enjoy your travels Steve M.
1 -
Travel most of this route regularily and have used Banchory a few times.
Easiest access stop over in Dundee is Tesco on the A90 Kingsway. Heading north go past it to the next roundabout then double back. Normally plenty of space up the far side opposite Pizza Hut to pull over. Access to fuel okay on far side of filling station.
Further on the Asda at Portlethen has a sizeable carpark with good access.
Be careful of which route you use between the A90 and Banchory as there are some with very steep gradients! Towing a large twin axle I prefer to follow the A90 into Aberdeen and take the road along the south side of the River Dee (B9077) out to Banchory, crossing the river at Crathes onto the A93.
0 -
The Morrisons carpark in Dundee is good, but an awkward one to get in and out of because of the traffic lights. The Asda one at the south of Dundee is better. I often stop at Strathcathro, though it is very rough & ready.
I agree about getting to Banchory from the A90. Turn left going into Aberdeen and take the Strathdee road, crossing the Dee near Peterculter rather than Crathes.
Note that work is still continuing on the A90 and Aberdeen Bypass routes. No real problems, but a lot of slower single lane driving on A90.
0 -
It may be shorter, but I'm not convinced that it's better. Anyway, when the Aberdeen bypass eventually opens, it will hopefully provide a better route from the south. Won't do me much good, but I already know the best route (for me) from the north.
0
