• Get in
• Get around
• See
• Do
• Buy
• Eat
• Drink
• Sleep
• Get out

Strathpeffer is a village in Ross-shire in Scotland around 30km north-west of Inverness. It originated in the 19th century as a spa village and many of the original hotels are extant.

[edit] Get in

Strathpeffer can be reached by bus from Inverness or by train from Inverness to Dingwall and bus from Dingwall to Strathpeffer.

Strathpeffer used to have a railway line but it was closed after the second World War; the old station building survives and houses the Highland Museum of Childhood, as well as the Victorian Coffee Shop, several other shops and craft outlets and a picnic area. Other buildings of note are the Pump Room and the Spa Pavilion, both recently restored after lying derelict for many years.

[edit] Get around

[edit] See

The surrounding countryside of forests, hills and mountains offers walks and trails and in nearby Contin, there is a 16km mountain-bike route. Bikes can be bought, hired and repaired at Square Wheels in Strathpeffer Square (01997 421000).

[edit] Do

The former Spa Pavilion has recently been beautifully restored and is now a great venue for events of all kinds. On the Pavilion website http://www.StrathpefferPavilion.org, there is not only a list of what's on at the Pavilion but also a page of other events in and around Strathpeffer and useful links.

Next-door to the Pavilion, you can taste the spa waters in the Pump Room, also recently restored. The Pump Room houses a fascinating exhibition of Strathpeffer's spa history, as well as the Tourist Information Centre.

At the Old Station you will find the delightful Highland Museum of Childhood, which is well worth a visit. At the Old Station, there is also a coffee shop, several other shops and craft outlets and a picnic area. There are a number of other shops in the centre of the village (known as The Square, though it is not a square!).

Strathpeffer also has a very scenic and challenging golf course.

Nearby Castle Leod, the home of the Earl of Cromartie, Chief of Clan Mackenzie, is open to the public several times a year - dates and times on the Pavilion website.

Go hiking - the area around Strathpeffer has some great forest and river walks[1]

[edit] Buy

There are a number of gift shops in the Square, as well as a pharmacy, an antique shop and an "open all hours" supermarket. At the Old Station are some more gift and craft shops as well as the Highland Museum of Childhood.

[edit] Eat

Strathpeffer now has a wide selection of places to eat. Opening times given are as on 10 June 2006.

RedPoppy Restaurant @ the Pavilion

In the Pavilion, as its name implies (entrance on the bandstand side of the Pavilion). Chef Nick Aburrow offers an interesting and varied menu, normally: Tuesday - Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm (lunch, coffee shop and dinner menus until 5 pm, dinner menu only thereafter); Sunday from 12.30 to 5 pm, but times may vary depending on events in the Pavilion. Tel: 01997 423 332

Coffee Shops / Tearooms

DigitWorks Internet Cafe, in Cromartie Buildings, just off the Square, now offers snacks and ice creams as well as Internet access.

Maya, opposite the Pavilion. Strathpeffer's famous Belgian chocolate shop, which serves tea and coffee as well as the very rich hot chocolate. You can also buy some delicious handmade chocolates to take home. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 5.00 pm Tel: 01997 420 008 http://www.mayachocolates.co.uk

Victorian Coffee Shop, beside the Highland Museum of Childhood at the Old Station, offers hot and cold snacks and delicious ice cream as well as tea and coffee. Open 10 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday, approx 12 noon to 5 pm Sunday. Tel: 07840 745 313

The Wee Swally, in White Lodge, the Square (use the side entrance in Church Brae) is a Victorian tearoom with a delightful atmosphere and home baking plus soup at lunch-time. Open Tuesday to Saturday from approx 11 am to 4 pm Tel: 01997 421730

[edit] Drink

[edit] Sleep

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• Ben Wyvis Hotel

Other Places to Stay Because of its spa history, Strathpeffer has a huge choice of visitor accommodation. Here are some other options:

Hotels:

Coul House Hotel, Contin 01997 421487

Shearings Highland Hotel 01997 421457

Mackays Hotel & Spa Lodge 01997 421542

Strathpeffer Hotel 01997 421200

Guest House / Bed & Breakfast:

Heatherlie 01997 423220

Linnmhor 01997 423357

Wyvis View 01997 421053

[edit] Get out

Strathpeffer, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, is an ideal base from which to tour this spectacular and fascinating area.