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The historic village lies close to the eastern county border in the northern Highlands of Scotland. Pictish civilizations established settlements here thousands of years ago. These evolved into the Celtic culture of the Scottish clans. The MacKenzie clan dominated the land here and often fought with neighbouring rival clans. The MacKenzies constructed a castle just outside of the village now known as Strathpeffer.
Great battles between the clan factions included the MacKenzies against the MacDonalds in 1486, and the MacKenzies and Munros against the MacDonalds in 1497. The MacKenzies defeated the MacDonalds both times. Within the local loch lay a crannog, or small artificial island, which served as a popular hunting area for the ruling clan. Many believe Robert the Bruce hunted here in the 1300s.
The latter years brought peace and the discovery of sulphur springs in the 1700s, helped Stathpeffer’s transition into being a spa town. The community constructed a pump room that furnished spring water in 1819. Hotels emerged, as did a hospital. The arrival of railway service in 1862 brought many guests to Strathpeffer during Victorian times, as many believed spring waters were a cure all for a long list of maladies.
Towards the end of the 1800s, Strathpeffer additionally had a golf course and club. Today, Strathpeffer attracts visitors for its scenic location in the Highlands. The vast number of activities and historical sites keep visitors busy during their stay.
Activities and Attractions
The Highland Museum of Childhood tells the history of the community through the eyes of the children that grew up here. Learn about the past times that entertained Stratpeffer youth while parents farmed or carried on with other daily trades and functions. Hear about the hard times and the customs and traditions that families held dear. Explore the collection of toys gathered from as early as the Victorian period. See the simple treasures enjoyed by children for centuries, before the invention of modern electronics. The facility houses hundreds of dolls and dollhouses, in addition to board games, marbles and other childhood pleasures.
Enjoy a few rounds of golf at the local Strathpeffer Spa and Golf Club. The site features a full 18 holes on picturesque landscape that includes sprawling lawns and lush green forests. Putt a hole-in-one surrounded by the ancient hills of the region. The facility also has a club house offering refreshments and a shop, which retails clothing and golf equipment. Anglers might prefer visiting the Loch Achilty Trout fishery. The site has a 100-acre (40 hectare) loch stocked with trout for fly-fishing enthusiasts.
The Ben Wyvis Mountain not only enhances the local landscape, but also gives locals and visitors alike the chance to scale to the top of the summit, standing 3.067 feet (935 metre) above sea level. The mountain has a paved path for hiking or cycling to the top.
At the foot of Ben Wyvis, visitors encounter the Castle Leod, home to the MacKenzie clan from the 1200s. The earliest structure on the site included a Pict fort, which evolved into the typical timber fortress of early clan days. Visitors learn the history of the MacKenzie clan when viewing centuries of family portraits. Learn the meaning behind the family coat of arms and kilt colours. Hear about the battles between the clans for supremacy and the families’ social and political involvement during more modern times. Visit the various rooms of the building, filled with fine décor and furnishings.
The Stratpeffer Pump Room and Gardens enables visitors the opportunity of understanding the craze behind the spring water attraction during the Victorian era. Various interpretative displays explain how communities acquired the supposedly miraculous waters and the benefits many hoped to achieve. Explore the gardens, created in traditional Victorian style. Take a peaceful walk through the area while enjoying the historic views.
Places to Stay and Dining
Regardless of where guests opt to stay in Stratpeffer, the view is spectacular. Some facilities replicate more historic periods in time with rooms furnished in true Victorian style. Certain lodges provide live evening entertainment performing authentic Scottish folk music or modern Country and Western music.
Accommodation in Strathpeffer
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