Strathpeffer
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Get in
The nearest railway stations are at Inverness (with mainline trains from the south, including the sleeper from London Euston) and Dingwall (ten mins away by bus) with trains roughly hourly from Inverness.
Stagecoach Highlands Bus 28 runs M-Sat hourly to Strathpeffer from Inverness via Kessock Bridge and Dingwall, taking 80 mins.
Stagecoach Highlands Bus 28 runs M-Sat hourly to Strathpeffer from Inverness via Kessock Bridge and Dingwall, taking 80 mins.
Get around
The castle is a short walk from the village.
See
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phone: +44 1997 420124address: The Square, Strathpeffer IV14 9DLHistoric venue, refurbished in 2004, hosts a variety of live music and other events.
Pump RoomSmall museum of Strathpeffer's spa history, but it's nowadays basically a sweetie & gift shop plus TIC. The spa springs have been closed off so you can't sample the waters.
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address: Old Railway Station, Strathpeffer IV14 9DHExplores the history of highland childhood through audio-visual displays, childhood treasures, and a fascinating doll and toy collection. Cafe next door.
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address: Strathpeffer IV14 9AAThe original Leod was an 11th C Norse Earl but the tower house probably dates from 15th C. It's now the home of the Earl of Cromartie, Chief of Clan Mackenzie. It is the inspiration for Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" series of books. Impressive trees in the castle grounds include Giant Sequoia and an ancient Spanish Chestnut.
Do
- Mountain biking. Plenty of trails in the surrounding countryside of forests, hills and mountains, including a race route nearby at Contin. Bikes can be bought, hired and repaired at Square Wheels in Strathpeffer Square (+44 1997 421000).
- Hiking. The area around Strathpeffer has some great forest and river walks.
- The is half a mile north of the village. Open daily, visitors' Green Fee £30.
- Strathpeffer Highland Gathering is held in mid-August at Castle Leod. The next event is Sat 10 Aug 2019.
Buy
There are a number of gift shops in the Square, as well as a pharmacy, and an "open all hours" supermarket. At the Old Station are a fair trade shop as well as the Highland Museum of Childhood's own gift shop.
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phone: +44 01997 421133address: The Old StationGift shop with products made by Highland artists and craftspeople, and further afield.
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phone: +44 01997 421942address: The Old Station, StrathpefferA friendly local shop selling environmental, ethical, organic and fair-trade products and gifts.
Eat
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The Coffee Shop
address: Cromartie Building, The SquareFriendly place offers tea, coffee, snacks, acoustic music sessions and silent movies. - Museum Cafe is within the old railway station next to the Highland Museum of Childhood. Freshly-prepared Scottish lunches and snacks, home-baking, ice cream, tea and coffee. Eat in or outside on the station platform. It's open Apr-Oct M-Sa 10:00-17:00 Su 12:00-17:00, Nov-Mar Th-Su 10:00-17:00.
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phone: +44 1997 423332address: Main StreetLight lunch, high tea and dinner.
- Wee Swally Tearoom is in White Lodge, on the Square (see "Sleep"); use the side entrance in Church Brae. It's open Tu-Sa 11:00-16:00.
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phone: +44 1997 420124Lunches and suppers.
Drink
There isn't a pub, but some of the hotels have public bars, see "Sleep".
Sleep
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phone: +44 870 950 6264address: Strathpeffer IV14 4DNA Victorian hotel offering restaurant and leisure facilities.
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Craigvar
address: The Square Strathpeffer IV14 9DLEarly Victorian house with two rooms en suite, open all year. -
phone: +44 1997 421242address: Garden House Brae, Strathpeffer IV14 9BWGuest house with 5 rooms all en suite, open Apr-Oct.
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phone: +44 1997 421392address: Strathpeffer IV14 9DLSmall B&B in Victorian house near village centre. Family, double and twin room share bathroom.
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Crystal House
address: Church Brae, Strathpeffer IV4 9AW8 guestrooms all en suite, in charming late-Victorian house. Restaurant & bar open to non-residents F-Sun evenings, Sat nights are Mauritius cuisine. -
phone: +44 1997 421730address: The Square Strathpeffer IV14 9ALPleasant B&B, open all year, in the village's oldest building, from 1770. It offers en suite facilities, central heating, lounge and car parking.
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Fodderty Lodge
phone: +44 1997 421393address: Fodderty, Nr Dingwall, IV15 9UEA former mansion built in 1730. 3 self-catering holiday cottages: Honeysuckle sleeps 6, Lodge Barn sleeps 4, East Wing sleeps 2.