See & Do
Craigvar is right in the centre of Strathpeffer, a unique, outstanding conservation village, 20 minutes' drive north of Inverness.
Its location makes it an exceptionally good touring base from which to explore the Highlands and Islands. We are 45 minutes from Ullapool on the West Coast and an ideal day’s round trip could take in the majestic scenery of Wester Ross, including Skye, Plockton, Eilan Donan Castle, Inverewe Gardens and Gairloch.
There are also distilleries within easy reach (Glen Ord, Dalmore, Balblair and Glenmorangie) and a close up view of dolphins can be had at Chanonry Point in Fortrose, depending on the times of incoming tides.
We are equally well situated for the nearby East Coast, with easy access to Inverness, Culloden Visitor Centre, Nairn, Cawdor Castle, Fort George and Loch Ness with Jacobite Cruises sailing throughout the year. The Black Isle is a lovely half-day tour, taking in Fortrose, Rosemarkie and Cromarty. We are also less than 3 hours from John o' Groats and the Castle of Mey.
Nearby Castle Leod is widely considered to be the inspiration behind Castle Leoch, the seat and home of the laird of Clan Mackenzie, in Diana Gabaldon's 'Outlander' historical fiction series. Dates of Open Days are on the See & Do page.
Its location makes it an exceptionally good touring base from which to explore the Highlands and Islands. We are 45 minutes from Ullapool on the West Coast and an ideal day’s round trip could take in the majestic scenery of Wester Ross, including Skye, Plockton, Eilan Donan Castle, Inverewe Gardens and Gairloch.
There are also distilleries within easy reach (Glen Ord, Dalmore, Balblair and Glenmorangie) and a close up view of dolphins can be had at Chanonry Point in Fortrose, depending on the times of incoming tides.
We are equally well situated for the nearby East Coast, with easy access to Inverness, Culloden Visitor Centre, Nairn, Cawdor Castle, Fort George and Loch Ness with Jacobite Cruises sailing throughout the year. The Black Isle is a lovely half-day tour, taking in Fortrose, Rosemarkie and Cromarty. We are also less than 3 hours from John o' Groats and the Castle of Mey.
Nearby Castle Leod is widely considered to be the inspiration behind Castle Leoch, the seat and home of the laird of Clan Mackenzie, in Diana Gabaldon's 'Outlander' historical fiction series. Dates of Open Days are on the See & Do page.
Craigvar is perfectly located for hillwalking and Munro climbing. The village offers a number of amenities including bowling, tennis and golf, and five minutes away there is a sports centre and a swimming pool. Dingwall is the home of Ross County F.C. who play in the Premier League. Their derby rivals, Inverness Caledonian Thistle continue to play in the Championship. The grounds of nearby Castle Leod regularly host cricket and shinty matches.
Ross County Cricket Club's first XI play in the NoSCA Senior League and Caberfeidh Shinty Club play in the Mowi Senior League.
Ross County Cricket Club's first XI play in the NoSCA Senior League and Caberfeidh Shinty Club play in the Mowi Senior League.
For walkers and cyclists there is a number of routes, of varying difficulty, in and around the village. The world famous Strathpuffer 24 hour endurance Mountain Biking event will take place again in January 2024.
The iconic Strathpeffer Pavilion is next door and regularly promotes music and theatre events as well as their annual Art Fair in November. The Strathpeffer & District Pipe Band have resumed playing in The Square in the summer months in the evening from 8.15 p.m. onwards, along with the Marian Munro School of Dance (dates on the See & Do page).
Things to do are arranged by distance. The items at the top of the list can be visited on foot and combinations of the others can be done in a day by car. Download a selection of driving tours from Craigvar, with times and distances to get there.
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The Eagle Stone
4 minutes on foot.
4 minutes on foot.

Castle Leod
Visit website
Castle Leod is widely considered to be the inspiration behind Castle Leoch, the seat and home of the laird of Clan Mackenzie, in Diana Gabaldon's 'Outlander' historical fiction series.
10 minutes on foot.
Visit website
Castle Leod is widely considered to be the inspiration behind Castle Leoch, the seat and home of the laird of Clan Mackenzie, in Diana Gabaldon's 'Outlander' historical fiction series.
10 minutes on foot.

Strathpeffer Spa Golf Club
Visit Website
10 minutes uphill on foot. The first hole has one of the largest drops from tee to green of any golf course in Scotland.
Visit Website
10 minutes uphill on foot. The first hole has one of the largest drops from tee to green of any golf course in Scotland.
Half Day & Full Day Activities.

Rogie Falls
The inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's rapturous quotation.
"Near here is a valley; birch woods, heather and a stream; I have lain down and died; no country, no place, was ever for a moment so delightful to my soul" .
10 minutes by car on the Garve Road.
The inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's rapturous quotation.
"Near here is a valley; birch woods, heather and a stream; I have lain down and died; no country, no place, was ever for a moment so delightful to my soul" .
10 minutes by car on the Garve Road.


Ben Wyvis
Climb Ben Wyvis, our local Munro.
An ideal way to bag your first Munro. A half day's climb up and down 'The Ben' if you are fit but a little longer if you are an enthusiastic beginner.
Climb Ben Wyvis, our local Munro.
An ideal way to bag your first Munro. A half day's climb up and down 'The Ben' if you are fit but a little longer if you are an enthusiastic beginner.




The Black Isle
Visit Fortrose, Rosemarkie & Cromarty.
45 minutes by car to Cromarty.
Visit Fortrose, Rosemarkie & Cromarty.
45 minutes by car to Cromarty.


Urquhart Castle
Visitor and Exhibition Centre on the shores of Loch Ness.
Visit Website
45 minutes by car.
Visitor and Exhibition Centre on the shores of Loch Ness.
Visit Website
45 minutes by car.

Inverewe Gardens
Sub-tropical gardens on the West Coast near Poolewe.
Visit Website
70 minutes by car.
Sub-tropical gardens on the West Coast near Poolewe.
Visit Website
70 minutes by car.

Eilan Donan Castle
Featured in the James Bond film 'The world is not enough' and in 'Highlander' with Christopher Lambert.
Visit Website
Allow 2 hours by car.
Featured in the James Bond film 'The world is not enough' and in 'Highlander' with Christopher Lambert.
Visit Website
Allow 2 hours by car.

North Coast 500.
Stay here en route or take a drive on one of its most spectacular legs.
Visit Applecross, driving over the renowned Bealach na Ba (The Pass of the Cattle), whose summit rises to 2053 feet, and return on the coast road by way of Fearnmore, Shieldaig and Glen Torridon.
Visit website
Allow 4 hours driving time for the round trip of 140 miles.
Stay here en route or take a drive on one of its most spectacular legs.
Visit Applecross, driving over the renowned Bealach na Ba (The Pass of the Cattle), whose summit rises to 2053 feet, and return on the coast road by way of Fearnmore, Shieldaig and Glen Torridon.
Visit website
Allow 4 hours driving time for the round trip of 140 miles.