Strathpeffer

Strathpeffer is a Victorian spa village located some four miles from Dingwall in Easter Ross. Strathpeffer stands in a beautiful setting at the head of the Peffery Valley, 200 ft. above sea-level and guarded to the North by the massive bulk of Ben Wyvis.

Strathpeffer is a unique place in that it is the only remaining Scottish Spa. The curative properties of the sulphurated waters here were first noted in 1772, when Dr Donald Munro gave a paper on the 'Castle Leod Water' to the Royal Society. Their popularity took off with the arrival of the railway in 1885.

Strathpeffer Links	Undiscovered Scotland	About Britain	Strathpeffer Pavilion
	Parish Church	Community Website

The outstanding Victorian Architecture of the village owed much to the development of the Spa. Many of the large Victorian buildings in Strathpeffer are now hotels. Buildings associated with the heyday of the spa can still be seen, including the Spa Pavilion and gardens. The village has several small but interesting shops, most clustered around the Square.

Retail Links	Ardival Harps	Adam Gordon Books	Strathpeffer Spa Soap Company
	Square Wheels Bicycle Shop	Green Tree Scotish Giftware	Green Kite Fair Trade Shop

The Old Railway Station houses the Highland Museum of Childhood, a Book Shop specialising in secondhand books on Transport, a cafe and the Green Kite fair trade shop. The Highland Museum of Childhood displays dolls, teddy bears, games and toys spanning 150 years, as well as other features of Victorian nursery such as baby clothes, lace and cradles.

The Eagle Stone and early 'Class 1' type stone, with the symbols cut into a rough boulder (7th-8th.c.) stands on a small, possibly man-made, mound. A horse-shoe and a bird are cut on one side. The Eagle Stone is Pictish and dates back to pre-clan times when there was an occupied Pictish fort on nearby Knockfarrell. It is said by the Brahan Seer, a local 16th century prophet, that once the eagle stone topples for a third time that a disaster will befall the valley. It has fallen twice in history, and the locals have actually cemented the base of the stone to prevent a third fall.

Above Strathpeffer is Knockfarrel Hillfort. This had substantial ramparts made of stones with a timber frame, enclosing a large area and making good use of the natural defences of the hill-top. At some time, the timber of the walls was set on fire, creating enough heat to melt the rock. This vitrification can be seen all around the perimeter of the fort.

Strathpeffer Golf Club is worth a visit for its glorious views, even if you don't play golf! It also boasts the longest drop from tee to green of any course in Scotland.

The Strathpeffer and District Pipe Band and local Highland dancers perform in the square every Saturday from end May to September, and this is a popular gathering for both visitors and residents.

Castle Leod, seat of the Earl of Cromartie, Chief of the Clan Mackenzie, is open to the public on certain days in the summer. The 16th century castle is stunning to see and a splendid example of a defensive Scottish tower house.

Strathpeffer is in a great location for sightseeing around the Highlands. It's only half an hour away from the city of Inverness and about the same journey time to Loch Ness.