Dingwall is a busy, medium sized market town where it would be convenient to stay for further train travel on the Far North Line and the Kyle Line, as the lines split here.
Nearby is the attractive village of Strathpeffer, a former Victorian Spar town. It is filled with Victorian villas, a restored Victorian pavilion, grand hotels, and mature gardens. This is a pleasant place to spend a few hours.
There is a regular bus service from Dingwall which takes 20 minutes. See Stagecoach service 27 (Inverness to Contin) and alight at stop 'Strathpeffer, opposite The Square'.
Cadet Force Pipe Band Parade, Dingwall High Street
The Square in picturesque Strathpeffer
The museum has interesting displays on local history and visiting exhibits. Located in the former toll booth with its square spire, this is an attractive building which once housed the town council.
Why not combine it with this Dingwall Heritage Trail from Ross & Cromarty Heritage which takes in many historic sites in the town.
The clock is one of the last remaining hand-wound in Scotland
For a pleasant short walk with impressive views over Dingwall and the surrounding area, visit the Hector MacDonald Memorial. Situated in Mitchell Hill Cemetery, this memorial with its 100 foot tower dates from 1907 and was built by public subscription.
Hector MacDonald was the son of a crofter from the nearby Black Isle, who joined the army as a private and rose to become a commanding officer.
Unfortunately the tower is closed, however, it has recently received a significant investment which will hopefully enable it to be opened.
A large crowd attended the opening in 1907
Located past the hospital, at the end of Ferry Road, is this small park with lovely views out over the Cromarty Firth and even a very small sandy beach when the tide is out. It also has a small Ministry of Defence Sculpture and picnic tables.
You can make the walk circular by returning along by the Dingwall Canal and past the Ross County Football Club. Alternatively, here is a two hour walking route which takes in the Hector MacDonald Memorial and the Park.
Sit awhile and enjoy the view
The attractive Dingwall Canal Path
This facility is 10 minutes' walk from the High Street and has a swimming pool, toddler pool, spa pool, steam room and flume. We have enjoyed swimming here.
Walking distances to accommodation given from the train station
Tulloch Castle Hotel (1.2 miles/1.93 km partly uphill; taxi recommended)
Restaurant on site for guests
Reviews: 4.2 on Google, 3.8 on TripAdvisor
Urrard B&B (280 foot/0.08 km)
Reviews: 4.9 on Google, 5.0 on TripAdvisor
The Birches B&B (0.63 miles/1.01 km)
Reviews: 4.6 on Google, 4.8 on TripAdvisor
Cromarty View Guest House (0.78 miles/1.25 km)
Reviews: 4.6 on Google, 4.7 on TripAdvisor
Our friend recommends eating here.
4.8 on Google, 4.7 on TripAdvisor
Indian restaurant
Reviews: 4.5 on Google, 4.6 on TripAdvisor
Reviews: 4.3 on Google, 4.0 on TripAdvisor
Chinese restaurant
Reviews: 4.4 on Google, 5.0 on TripAdvisor
Burger restaurant
Reviews: 4.2 on Google, 3.9 on TripAdvisor
Bar and grill
Reviews: 4.2 on Google, 4.0 on TripAdvisor
THE OLD STATION
This restored Victorian railway station now has some interesting independent shops and the small Highland Museum of Childhood. There is also a cafe space which has been run by a series of businesses - the latest is the recently opened Gold at The Old Station.
At the end of car park is the start of the Peffery Way which is nice for a stroll with beautiful views. Volunteers are working to open it all the way to Dingwall.
The Old Station is in a pleasant setting
Lovely views from the Peffery Way
The seat of Clan Mackenzie and still home to the current chief. This magnificent castle is set in wooded grounds which contain several historical and significant trees including a Spanish chestnut with the oldest recorded planting date in Scotland.
It is open on at least 25 days over the season during which is possible to explore the castle and grounds including the woodland walk. The castle is 20 minutes' walk from the village square.
At the south end of the village is this wood with trails of one and a quarter or two and a quarter miles. It includes a labyrinth of ancient rocks, views of Ben Wyvis and the possibility of seeing kites and buzzards.
Note that it is no longer possible to hire mountain bikes in the village as the bike shop has closed.
Walking distances to accommodation given from the bus stop
The Retreat Hotel (0.11 miles/0.17 km)
Reviews: 4.0 on Google, 3.6 on TripAdvisor
The Highland Hotel (0.2 miles/0.32 km)
Restaurant on site for guests
Reviews: 3.7 on Google, 3.8 on TripAdvisor
Holly Lodge B&B (0.2 miles/0.32 km)
Reviews: 4.8 on Google, 4.9 on TripAdvisor
Reviews: 4.8 on Google, 4.8 on TripAdvisor
Reviews:4.5 on Google, 4.4 on TripAdvisor
The Coffee Shop (no website or Facebook page)
1950s American diner theme
Reviews: 4.6 on Google
Page last updated 4 September 2025