Childhood Memories Of The A9 Road

[ON THE ROAD]

I am trying to locate a particular place on the A9 somewhere between Pitlochry and Inverness. Prior to the road improvements in the 1970's there was a spot that may well have been used as an unofficial layby that overlooked a steep gorge. It was quite a large area of rough ground that could take several lorries cars and caravans all at the same time. It was a regular popular stopping-off point simply for the reason that there were invariably many deer in the bottom of the gorge drinking from a stream. In those days back in the 50's & 60's this had a great novelty value. The deer appeared to be quite small as this was because this was a very steep gorge. There weren't things like safety barriers in those days. I realise the area could have been altered completely with the road improvements but I would still be interested to know where it was. I think it may be round the Drumochter Pass area and it may still exist on part of the old A9 that still remains in places. Thanks

[albaqwerty]

a lot of reading on here, hope there's something of interest
http://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=A9/history

[vakayu]

It may be Dalwhinnie you are thinking about which is a resting place for lotrries etc with cafe and toilets.

[heathfield]

Can't help, but you've inspired memories of the old A9. These days, parts of the old A9 north of Pitlochry would considered to be of B road standard. Meeting a truck coming the other way could be an alarming experience! I'm pretty sure it was only classed as an A road because it was, militarily, of strategic importance, just like the old A939 - an A classified single-track road with frequent passing places! (With, occasionally, grass seen to be growing in the middle of it !!).