Strathpeffer

Victorian Spa Village

The village of Strathpeffer is perched on the side of a Glen in the folds of the second highest mountain in the northern Scottish Highlands – Ben Wyvis. This beautiful Victorian Spa village is a popular tourist destination, which caters well for the traveller whilst remaining a quiet and peaceful place to stay.

You will find a lot of evidence of Victorian Pioneers who built grand hotels and spacious villas to accommodate the wealthy visitors who could afford to visit the town and take the healing water from its sulphurous springs. These same buildings continue to cater for visitors and offer space and grandeur from another era, with modern comforts built in.

Strathpeffer’s meandering Victorian elegance illustrates the diversity of style you can encounter when you decide to explore the North Highlands. It is worlds away from the peaty atmosphere of a traditional west coast village but a world, which merits a visit. You can see how the gentle folk lived and spent their holidays.

You will find a museum of childhood down by the old railway station, which is also home to small, interesting shops. (There was a railway branch line there from 1885 to 1951). You may go golfing or there are many interesting walks to be taken with Strathpeffer as a starting point. Alternatively, you can hire a bike and follow the cycle paths. You will find a range of restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy skilled cooking of specialised confectionery to reward yourself for your efforts.

The pump room for the Spa was built in 1819. It has been turned into a well illustrated museum where talking mannequins re-enact how doctor patient consultations would have been conducted almost 200 years ago. The truly brave can sample the water themselves if they are not put off by the strong smell. Next door to the Spa is the Pavilion, which was built in 1880. It is used for a range of events from fashion shows to theatre performances or the occasional traditional highland ball.

Before the Victorians arrived Strathpeffer was the site of clan battles between the Munros and the MacKenzies. It was also the birthplace of Cionneach Odhar, the Brahn Seer, who foretold of many happening with such accuracy that people are still wary of unfulfilled quotes. Although legend has it the Brahn Seer was sentenced to death in a vat of burning oil several hundred years ago, he is still remembered. It has two symbols; a horseshoe and an eagle.