Strathpeffer Victorian Spa - Scotland
http://www.scottishweb.net/articles/33/1/Strathpeffer-Victorian-Spa---Scotland/Page1.html
Published on 20 February 2008
Strathpeffer is a Victorian spa village located some four miles from Dingwall in Easter Ross. A what, you may ask? Thats right - a spa village based around the victorian obsession with healing waters. The consequence is a village unlike any other in the Scottish Highlands, complete with lavish victorian buildings.
Once upon a time the train delivered hundreds of people to the Victorian spa village of Strathpeffer. The village boomed after Dr.Thomas Morrison claimed in 1819 that the local spa waters were the most "efficacious in Britain". The very first pump room in Strathpeffer was opened in 1820 and was soon followed by hoards of health-seekers and the like of the day, along with their hotels, hospitals, huge villa-style houses and transport links.
It was a popular place in those days and still is now but for different reasons. Today many of the large victorian buildings in Strathpeffer are hotels, many of which are owned by national touring or coaching companies. This means that the village is very busy during the tourist season, with lots of people milling around in the square. Rather than the spa waters, people now come to Strathpeffer to view the picturesque village and the splended buildings, almost like a victorian fantasy village in the highlands of Scotland.
Strathpeffer also has plenty of family run hotels, and its a great place to spend a relaxing day or two. During the summer months the impressive Stathpeffer Pipe Band play in the square for all to see. Its quite a sight and the music is fantastic.
Near to the village is the Eagle Stone - and if you visit it the eagle is quite visible to the eye. The eagle was the old symbol for the Clan Munro - and they are said to have had a ferocious battle nearby with the local Clan Mackenzie, who's seat is Castle Leod (pictured).
The castle has recently started opening to the public on certain limited days and is only a 15 minute walk from the village. The 16th century castle is stunning to see and a splended example of a defensive Scottish tower house. The larger part at the back is a Visctorian extension, a common feature on many Scottish castles.
The eagle Stone is Pictish, however, and dates back to pre-clan times when there was an occupied Pictish fort on nearby Knockfarrell. It is said by the Brahan Seer, a local 16th century prophet, that once the eagle stone topples for a third time that a disaster will befall the valley. It has fallen twice in history, and the locals have actually cemented the base of the stone to prevent a third fall. Better safe than sorry, I suppose!
Strathpeffer is in a great location for sightseeing around the highlands. Its only half an hour away from the highland capital of Inverness and about the same journey to Loch Ness. Alternatively you could head east to the Black Isle or west towards Ullapool. Overall its central to the highlands of Scotland with most amenities being available.
Strathpeffer is a Victorian spa village located some four miles from Dingwall in Easter Ross. A what, you may ask? Thats right - a spa village based around the victorian obsession with healing waters. The consequence is a village unlike any other in the Scottish Highlands, complete with lavish victorian buildings.
Strathpeffer is a Victorian spa village located some four miles from Dingwall in Easter Ross. A what, you may ask? Thats right - a spa village based around the victorian obsession with healing waters. The consequence is a village unlike any other in the Scottish Highlands, complete with lavish victorian buildings. Once upon a time the train delivered hundreds of people to the Victorian spa village of Strathpeffer. The village boomed after Dr.Thomas Morrison claimed in 1819 that the local spa waters were the most "efficacious in Britain". The very first pump room in Strathpeffer was opened in 1820 and was soon followed by hoards of health-seekers and the like of the day, along with their hotels, hospitals, huge villa-style houses and transport links.
It was a popular place in those days and still is now but for different reasons. Today many of the large victorian buildings in Strathpeffer are hotels, many of which are owned by national touring or coaching companies. This means that the village is very busy during the tourist season, with lots of people milling around in the square. Rather than the spa waters, people now come to Strathpeffer to view the picturesque village and the splended buildings, almost like a victorian fantasy village in the highlands of Scotland.
Strathpeffer also has plenty of family run hotels, and its a great place to spend a relaxing day or two. During the summer months the impressive Stathpeffer Pipe Band play in the square for all to see. Its quite a sight and the music is fantastic.
Near to the village is the Eagle Stone - and if you visit it the eagle is quite visible to the eye. The eagle was the old symbol for the Clan Munro - and they are said to have had a ferocious battle nearby with the local Clan Mackenzie, who's seat is Castle Leod (pictured).
The castle has recently started opening to the public on certain limited days and is only a 15 minute walk from the village. The 16th century castle is stunning to see and a splended example of a defensive Scottish tower house. The larger part at the back is a Visctorian extension, a common feature on many Scottish castles.
The eagle Stone is Pictish, however, and dates back to pre-clan times when there was an occupied Pictish fort on nearby Knockfarrell. It is said by the Brahan Seer, a local 16th century prophet, that once the eagle stone topples for a third time that a disaster will befall the valley. It has fallen twice in history, and the locals have actually cemented the base of the stone to prevent a third fall. Better safe than sorry, I suppose!
Strathpeffer is in a great location for sightseeing around the highlands. Its only half an hour away from the highland capital of Inverness and about the same journey to Loch Ness. Alternatively you could head east to the Black Isle or west towards Ullapool. Overall its central to the highlands of Scotland with most amenities being available.