Golfing in the Lake District

When golfing in the Lake District and Cumbria, the different areas of the county present different golf courses types along with different challenges. As the county has over 160 miles of coastline, there are a number of links courses including Silecroft, St Bees and Maryport. One of the finest courses in the county is at Silloth-on-Solway. Silloth-on-Solway golf course is a 6,600 yard championship links course and an R & A regional qualifying course for The Open. During 2004 it was voted 24th in Golf Monthly's review of Britain and Ireland's top courses, just in front of Royal Troon Golf Club (25th place). They comment that "Carding a good score is a true test of nerve and industry on this intriguing layout". Since then it has received accolades from Golf World.

The links courses on the west coast are very different to the courses further south as you get down into areas such as Keswick and the South Lakes. Keswick Golf Club at Threlkeld Hall, is a challenging par 71 parkland course that sits on Threlkeld Common and offers scenic, panoramic views of Blencathra, one of England's highest mountains. The views alone make this course extremely playable. The nature of the Lake District means there are Lake District hotels in abundance to stay in whilst visiting the county to play golf.

Eskdale Golf Club is a parkland course with stunning views of Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in the Lake District and the neighbouring fells visible from every fairway. Their signature hole is the 151 yard, Par 3, 14th. This hole has an elevated tee and looks towards an "island" green set within a vast trout pond.

Down to the south and central lakes and this is where shorter course can be found but which are far from being flat. Windermere golf course is set in an elevated position to the south of Windermere with spectacular views of the surrounding fells. It is referred to as a "miniature Gleneagles".

Kendal golf course, located on and around the summit of Kendal Fell is a challenging, 5774 yard course with narrow fairways and plenty of gradients. Its panoramic views across to Kentmere, the Langdales and down to Kendal town are breathtaking.

Other courses of note include Carlisle Golf Club, Appleby Golf Club, Barrow Golf Club, Grange Over Sands Golf Club and Workington Golf Club.

Clubs when golfing in the Lake District can be hired at most of these courses and booking essential, especially in the busy summer months. For non-handicappers there are some excellent pay and play courses such as Penrith Golf Club, Kirkby Stephen Golf Club, Beckside Golf Course in Crook, near Kendal, or at Carus Green Golf Club on Burneside Road in Kendal. All offer an excellent standard of course but with the convenience of pay and play.

The Lake District isn't always the first destination thought of when thinking of going on a golf break but with the scenery and the quality of the golfing in the Lake District, it should be right up there.