A VERY ENJOYABLE BREAK

Last week we enjoyed a few days in Strathpeffer (Strath of the River Peffery) . This pretty village owes it's existence to the discovery in the 19th century of mineral wells. The village became very popular and Hotels were built to house the rich and famous who visited for the season. The pump room would have provided curative waters in various ways. In the afternoon visitors may have enjoyed excursions by horse drawn carriage, or play tennis or croquet or stroll in the pavilion gardens.

Click on pictures for more details.

Below is the Ben Wyvis Hotel where we stayed, it was once a Victorian country house and contains many original features.

These shots are of the lovely countryside around the village.

Set amongst the trees is Castle Leod, built in the 16th century it is a fine example of a Scottish tower house. It was the seat of the Clan Mackenzie.

This is The Eagle Stone, carved by the picts. If you enlarge the picture you may be able to make out the carving of an eagle beneath a horseshoe complete with nail holes. No one is sure of the meaning of these stones. There are many fine examples in this part of Scotland.

The Spa Pavilion where visitors would have enjoyed concerts. The recently restored building is well used today for many forms of entertainment.

One of many churches in the village, this one is the Free Church of Scotland.

The impressive Highland Hotel

An example of the pretty houses
found in the village.

One of my favourites.