Strathpeffer

Strathpeffer is enclosed by wooded hills and located on the Black Isle just four miles to the west of Dingwall. It is a very picturesque Victorian spa town which unlike other towns, has managed to retain all of its Victorian charm. This is a town that is very popular with walkers as the bleak and imposing mountain that is Ben Wyvis is only a stone’s throw away. There are some incredible views to be had of Knock Farril, the ancient Iron Age fort as well as much of the surrounding mountainous landscape as well as the beautiful Cromarty Firth. One of the most popular walks is the trail that takes you through Ord wood and on to the very picturesque banks of Loch Kinellan where you will find what remains of an ancient fortification. This was once one of the most popular spa resorts in Europe. The waters of the spa can still be taken if you wish to benefit from the health benefits that they are reputed to imbue.

Places to Visit

One of the more popular visitor attractions in the area is the Highland Museum of Childhood. The museum is housed in what used to be the Victorian train station and takes a look at what life was like growing up in the Scottish Highlands. It’s a great way to see how the toys that we have today have developed from the playthings we had in the past. Toys, dolls and all manner of costumes lie within waiting for you to discover them.

Take a trip to Rogie Falls and enjoy the walks that take you through the area. As if the waterfall were not enough this is also a great place to do a spot of salmon viewing. You can find the falls off the main roadway through to Ullapool. There are some lovely forest walks and plenty of viewpoints where you can stake some spectacular shots of the falls.

Things to Do

Take a ride a few miles out of town and pay a visit to the Black Isle Wildlife and Country Park. The park covers fifty acres of land; some is given over to animal enclosures, some to open fields and some of the land is home to ponds and other natural habitats. The children will be able to get up close and personal with ducks, emus and lemurs as well as zebras and the ever popular meerkats, as well as many more. There is also a hatchery that you can visit as well as a play area for the younger members of the family.

Escape the confines of the town and head into the great outdoors and enjoy the Natural Nature Reserve that is Ben Wyvis. The plant life that covers the mountainsides is as unique as some of the birdlife that makes their home here. Discover the secrets that await at the summit and take in the spectacular views that being at the summit delivers. On top of Ben Wyvis you will almost feel as though you could touch the sky.