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Strathpeffer
is a spa village in a countryside setting 5 miles from Dingwall,
17 miles from Inverness. It was made popular during the
Victorian era as a health resort through the promotion of
drinking the sulphurous and chalybeate waters flowing from
natural springs. Dr Thomas Morrison claimed in 1819 that
the local spa waters were the ‘most efficacious in
Britain’ and the first pump room was opened in 1820.
Soon the trains were delivering hoards of health seekers
to the area and the village boomed as large villa-style
houses, hospitals and improved transport links were built.
Today the picturesque village is still a popular tourist
destination, and forms an ideal base from which to explore
the northwest highlands. A short walk up to the Strathpeffer
Spa Golf Course reveals wonderful views along the valley
towards the Black Isle. There are woodland and hillside
footpaths and cycle tracks in the immediate vicinity –
most clearly waymarked.
In
the village one can find the recently restored Strathpeffer
Pavilion - a music, dance and entertainment hall built
in 1881, the Spa Pump Room and Gardens, the Water Sampling
Pavilion and the old railway station which has been converted
to house a number of small businesses. These include craft,
gift and clothing shops, a woodcarver’s studio and
tearoom as well as the Highland Museum of Childhood. There
are also delightful shops in and around the village square
selling gifts and antiques, and a new luxury chocolate
shop. During the summer months the Strathpeffer Pipe Band
plays in the square and Highland dancers perform for all
to see. It is an impressive and stirring sight, and the
music is fantastic.
Near
to the village is the Eagle Stone, and if you visit it
the eagle carving is clearly visible. The eagle was the
old symbol for the Clan Munro, who are said to have had
a ferocious battle nearby with the Clan MacKenzie, whose
seat is Castle Leod (pictured).
The
castle has recently started opening to the public on certain
days and is only a 15 minute walk from the village. This
16th century castle is stunning to see and a splendid
example of a defensive Scottish tower house. The larger
part at the back is a Victorian extension, a common feature
on many Scottish castles.
The
Eagle Stone is Pictish, however, and dates back to pre-clan
times when there was an occupied Pictish fort on nearby
Knockfarrell. It was said by the Brahan Seer, a local
sixteenth century prophet, that once the Eagle Stone topples
a third time a disaster will befall the valley. It has
already fallen twice in history and the local people have
now cemented the base of the stone to prevent a third
fall!
Strathpeffer
is in a great location for sightseeing around the highlands,
with most amenities being available. It is half an hour
from Inverness and only 5 minutes from Dingwall.
In Strathpeffer:
The
Spa Pavilion
The
Pump Room - where you can take the Strathpeffer waters
and find Tourist Information
Square
Wheels Cycle Hire and Tourist Information Office
Highland
Museum of Childhood and coffee shop
Strathpeffer Spa Golf Course
Maya – the luxury Belgian chocolate shop
Craft and antique shops
Local walks
Strathpeffer
Spa Golf Course
Maya – luxury chocolate shop
Castle Leod
Local walks, including Nordic Walking
The Surrounding Area:
Cawdor Castle, Nairn www.cawdorcastle.com
Dunrobin Castle, Golspie
Foulis Castle, Evanton
Fort
George, Ardersier
Culloden
The Cat’s Back and Knockfarrel
Falls of Rogie and the Black Water
Loch Kinellan
Loch Ussie
Ben Wyvis
Glen Affric
Loch Ness
Moray Firth
Wildlife Centre, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society
Black Isle Wildlife & Country Park
Black Isle Quadbiking and Broomhill Riding Centre, Fortrose
The
Hydroponicum, Achiltibuie
Inverewe
Gardens, Poolewe
Dingwall
Inverness
Distilleries:
Glen
Ord, Muir of Ord
Glenmorangie
Dallas
Dhu
Teaninich, Alness
Dalmore,
Alness
Tomatin
Black
Isle Brewery
All of these places, facilities and activities are on
the doorstep of The Richmond Hotel in Strathpeffer.
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