The village lies a few miles west of Dingwall, and just off the main route linking Inverness with Ullapool.

The mineral water springs that occur naturally around Strathpeffer first became famous for their curative powers in the 18th century. The waters had the reputation for being able to cure all manner of ills, and were thought to have particularly beneficial effects for people suffering from rheumatism.

The spa developed throughout the Victorian era, helped by the arrival of the railway. A pump room was built, a rheumatic hospital was founded and, at one time five separate wells were operating.

Strathpeffer Spa Pavilion was used as a major dance hall venue until the 1960s. It fell into disrepair, but there are moves to restore the building to its former glory.

The Highland Museum of Childhood in Strathpeffer provides a fascinating journey back through time, telling the story of childhood in the Highlands.

Displays in the museum cover birth and baptism, folklore and festivals, toys and games, health and disease, home life and education.

The past is recalled through evocative photographs from yesteryear, original illustrations by Christopher Fry, and a range of items including toys, cradles, a desk, slate and strap.

The museum is housed in Strathpeffer's former railway station, which was built in 1885 and closed in 1951. After falling into disrepair, the station buildings were fully restored in1986. They are now home to a variety of gift shops and craft workshops, as well as the museum which features items from the Angela Kelly doll collection.

(Strathpeffer Spa, early 20th Century)

Children are invited to tackle two quizzes, one for younger visitors and the other for older children. The museum also has its own cafe', offering the chance to Sit at tables on the old railway platform in good weather.

The shop on site reflects the museum's themes - stocking a variety of traditional toys and games, a wide selection of children's books, plus cards and some unusual gifts.

The old station, at the East End of Strathpeffer, is set in secluded garden and picnic areas.

The Highland Museum of Childhood is open to the public from mid-March until the end of October. Group visits can be arranged, as can guided tours and talks.

Another survivor from Victorian times is Strathpeffer Golf Club, which was founded in 1888. It's a quite spectacular hilly course with magnificent views - and it has a national claim to fame. The first hole at Strathpeffer is reckoned to be one of the most sporting in golf, despite being a modest 301 yards in length. That's because the drive from the clubhouse to the green features the longest drop on any course in Scotland. Until recent years, Strathpeffer had the unusual characteristic of grass bunkers but no sand bunkers. However, some sand traps have now been added to the course.

More sport can be found at the eastern approaches to the village, where Castle Leod stages the Strathpeffer Highland games.

Castle Leod is also home in the summer to Ross County Cricket Club, and in winter to Caberfeidh Shinty Club who also play matches at their newer pitch, Kinnettas, in the heart of the village.

Going much further back in time, the Eagle Stone which stands in a field off Nutwood Lane in Strathpeffer is a Pictish stone featuring the symbols of a horseshoe and an eagle etched into its surface - possibly indicating that it was formerly used as a marriage stone.