Join us on a trip west as we discover spectacular landscapes for golf and coastal classics
Silloth on Solway Golf Club
Ranked among the finest golf courses in the country, a visit to the linksland at Silloth on Solway Golf Club is simply a must.
Number 47 on top100golfcourses.com’s Britain & Ireland list, and 19th in the England list, Silloth is the star of the Cumbrian coast. Laid out in 1892 by David Grant and developed by a number of golf’s most important architects throughout its history – including Dr Alister MacKenzie and Willie Park Jnr – the course is framed by sand dunes strewn with gorse and heather. The views across the firth from several elevated positions are spectacular, while the handful of sunken greens are essential to what makes this such a special place to play the game. The bunkering is penal and in keeping with the linksland setting, while the vast greens are equal parts delightful and challenging.
Silloth on Solway Golf Club, Station Road, Silloth, CA7 4AE, tel 016973 31304, www.sillothgolfclub.co.uk
Appleby Golf Club
Easily accessible from across the region with its location just off the A66, the course at Appleby Golf Club was laid out by 1883 Open champion Willie Fernie.
Today the layout features dramatic contours and undulations throughout its 5,986 yards – with heather and bracken testing players’ accuracy from the tee and when playing into the greens. The course sits atop sandstone, which creates firm conditions and keeps it playable year-round – a rare trait in the land of the lakes! The signature 15th hole was voted the 98th best hole in Great Britain & Ireland – and its features include Hilton Beck; an out of bounds fence; and a devilish, concealed green.
Appleby Golf Club, Brackenber Moor, Appleby, CA16 6LP, tel 017683 51432, www.applebygolfclub.co.uk
Keswick Golf Club
Set on Threlkeld Common, the views from the course at Keswick Golf Club include Blencathra, Skiddaw and Clough Head.
Not particularly long at just 6,133 yards with a par of 71, the course is far tougher than the yardage suggests with tree-lined fairways and well-protected greens ensuring it’s no pushover. Set in a National Park and World Heritage Site, there are no bunkers here – though the trees and water are enough to keep you on your toes. The spectacular mountain views and warm welcome in the clubhouse, which overlooks the 18th green, make this a must-visit.
Keswick Golf Club, Threlkeld, Keswick, CA12 4SX, tel 017687 79324, www.keswickgolfclub.com
Seascale Golf Club
Just five miles from Whitehaven on the Cumbrian coastline, the linksland at Seascale Golf Club is a delightful place to play the game in calm conditions – and an exacting test when the wind blows in from the Irish Sea.
Laid out in 1893, the course was designed by Willie Campbell and George Lowe, and remains a traditional west coast links test paired with spectacular views of the Isle of Man and Scotland to the west, and the mountains of the Lake District to the east. The tee shot at the ninth, played towards the sea, is one to savour. Regarded among the world’s best links courses, a visit to Seascale is one of northern golf’s great days out.
Seascale Golf Club, The Banks, Seascale, CA20 1QL, tel 01946 728 202, www.seascalegolfclub.co.uk
Calder House Hotel
Located within a few paces of the Seascale links, the Calder House Hotel offers a warm Cumbrian welcome, a high-quality breakfast, and stunning views from a number of bedrooms as well as the bar and restaurant.
The beer garden is a great spot to share stories from your rounds on a summer evening – plus there’s free parking and wi-fi for all guests. A range of en-suite rooms are available, and golfers are made incredibly welcome on every visit, whether they’re squeezing in a late season trip to the coast of taking in the linksland in the summer.
Calder House Hotel, The Banks, Seascale, CA20 1QP, tel 01946 728 538, www.calderhouse.co.uk
