Strathpeffer Introduction

Attribution: unknown (The ruin of Free Church in Jamestown)

Welcome to Strathpeffer

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 benefits of its waters were first recognised during the latter half of the 18th. century, although the first Pump Room was not built until 1819. In 1861 a larger Pump Room was built , but this has now been demolished. That site is now occupied by The Tasting Pavilion and Tourist Office. The waters contain Sulphur and Chalybeate (Iron) but only the Sulphur Wells are available at present.

The outstanding Victorian Architecture of the village owed much to the development of the Spa, as does the presence of some outstandingly beautiful trees. The village has several small but interesting shops, most clustered around the Square. The old Railway Station has been converted and now houses the Highland Museum of Childhood, a wood-carver’s workshop and some craft shops.

Several walks exist around the village, giving beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. For the energetic, there is also a splendid 18 hole Golf Course. The population of Strathpeffer is in the region of 1200. A large percentage of its inhabitants are retired. Those employed are involved in Tourism, Forestry, Farming and crofting, with quite a number commuting daily, either to Dingwall or Inverness. The village boasts two vey large hotels (over 100 bedrooms each), several hotels and guest houses, Bed and Breakfast accommodation and self-catering establishments.

Strathpeffer is a good centre from which to explore and visit places of interest, including Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, Dunrobin Castle and Gardens, Culloden Battle Field, John O’Groats, Skye, Inverewe Gardens with many other diverse and interesting places within easy reach. Hill-walking, sailing, horse riding, tennis and golf can all be sampled without travelling far.

The water feature in the Square, built in the early 1990s

Attribution: unknown

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Strathpeffer » Strathpeffer History » Strathpeffer Spa Booklet
Postcard, dated January 1910,
Postcard, dated January 1910,
This postcard, dated January 1910, addressed to Mr James Gibb, Bridgeness, Bo'ness, could well illustrate the following booklet.
Strathpeffer
Strathpeffer
The Pass of Killiecrankie - on the way to Strathpeffer.
The Pass of Killiecrankie - on the way to Strathpeffer.
Strathpeffer from Achterneed Station.
Strathpeffer from Achterneed Station.
Dingwall, the junction for Strathpeffer
Dingwall, the junction for Strathpeffer
Electric department, Strathpeffer Spa.
Electric department, Strathpeffer Spa.
In the bathrooms, Strathpeffer Spa.
In the bathrooms, Strathpeffer Spa.
Vichy bath, Strathpeffer Spa.
Vichy bath, Strathpeffer Spa.
Taking the Waters, Strathpeffer Spa.
Taking the Waters, Strathpeffer Spa.
Taking the Waters, Strathpeffer Spa. "Rich with the spoils of Nature" [Sir Thomas Browne]
The bowling green and Pavilion, Strathpeffer.
The bowling green and Pavilion, Strathpeffer.
In the gardens, Strathpeffer.
In the gardens, Strathpeffer.
On the golf course, Strathpeffer.
On the golf course, Strathpeffer.
Loch Luichart, Ross-shire - on the way to Skye.
Loch Luichart, Ross-shire - on the way to Skye.
Loch Kinellan, near Strathpeffer.
Loch Kinellan, near Strathpeffer.
Loch Garve, near Strathpeffer.
Loch Garve, near Strathpeffer.
Glencarron, on the way to Skye.
Glencarron, on the way to Skye.
Falls of Rogie, near Strathpeffer.
Falls of Rogie, near Strathpeffer.
Falls of Rogie, near Strathpeffer. "No sound save the rush of the river" [Ethyl Lynn Beers]
Knockfarrel, Falls of Conon and Strathpeffer
Knockfarrel, Falls of Conon and Strathpeffer
Top: Knockfarrel from Cat's Back, Strathpeffer. Middle: Falls of Conon, Strathpeffer. Bottom: Strathpeffer from Knockfarrel.
spa24.jpg
spa24.jpg
Among the hills of Skye.
Among the hills of Skye.
Among the hills of Skye. "To climb and seek the mountain view." [Ella Wheeler Wilcox]
Kyle of Lochalsh.
Kyle of Lochalsh.
Kyle of Lochalsh. "O'er the wild mountain and the luxuriant plains, Nature in all the pomp of beauty reigns." [James Montgomery
River Bran, near Lochluichart, on the way to Skye.
River Bran, near Lochluichart, on the way to Skye.
River Bran, near Lochluichart, on the way to Skye. "The long, bright river drawing slowly, His waters from the purple hill. [Tennyson]
The Highland Hotel, Pavilion and Gardens, Strathpeffer.
The Highland Hotel, Pavilion and Gardens, Strathpeffer.
The Highland Hotel, Pavilion and Gardens, Strathpeffer. "Hospitality sitting with Gladness" [Henry W Longfellow]
SPA HOTEL, STRATHPEFFER
SPA HOTEL, STRATHPEFFER
The Ben Wyvis Hotel
The Ben Wyvis Hotel
Mackay's Strathpeffer Hotel
Mackay's Strathpeffer Hotel
Windsor Lodge
Windsor Lodge
TARBAT PRIVATE HOTEL
TARBAT PRIVATE HOTEL
CABERFEIDH HOUSE
CABERFEIDH HOUSE
Strathpeffer Spa Cover
Strathpeffer Spa Cover

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