Whether you’re a golfing novice or putting pro, we’ve narrowed down the best golf courses in the Western Lake District which await your arrival.
Superb links tracks, impeccable condition and a test for all levels of golfer. Venturing further afield to the Western Lake District, rather than to the crowded greens of the Southern Lakes, has been known to pay off tenfold. Yes, the whole area is blessed with dramatic fells, stunning views and incredible golf. But things get more peaceful the further west you go and value for money also increases.
The Western Lake District is the most westerly point of Northern England and lies just to the south of Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland. Getting here does require some travelling – best by car but also partly possible by aeroplane and train. However, it’s well worth the journey if high quality yet affordable links courses are what you’re looking for.
In this blog, we highlight some of our favourite golf courses in the Western Lake District and supply some insider knowledge to help you get the most of your day on the greens.
Be sure to check out the likes of Silloth on Solway Golf Club and other lesser-known ones, or head to the coast for a few gems that definitely should make it onto your to-play list.
Cockermouth Golf Club
Cockermouth Golf Club is a spectacular fellside course featuring a challenging 18 hole layout, with unique views over Bassenthwaite Lake and the stunning Buttermere Fells.
Situated only three miles from The Trout Hotel, whether you’re enjoying a couples weekend retreat, a family holiday or golfing break, the club is well worth a day out.
The demanding course was designed by the Sottish professional golfer James Braid. Having won the opening championship on several occasions, he continued his legacy to become a celebrated golfing architect. Braid’s plans were unique and memorable for their unusual design, which centred around the modification of landscape and terrain to create imaginative sites that encouraged the development of innovative putting strategies. You might soon recognise this style upon tackling the steep climb to the third green.
Facilities and Hospitality
Between 9:30 am and 10:00 am on Saturday mornings, juniors can try their hand for free.
And when you’re ready for that much-needed break, the course clubhouse and licensed bar will be on hand to help quench your thirst and provide an idyllic setting to sit back and take it all in.
Following the pursuits of your day, you can then retreat back to the tranquil riverside location of The Trout Hotel, where our friendly staff will be on hand to make sure your golfing day out ends on a high. Whether you choose to enjoy an evening drink in our landscaped gardens, which stretch down to the River Derwent or choose to relax in the elegantly calming decor of your private room. The Trout Hotel will endeavour to ensure that this will be a golfing break to remember.
Silloth on Solway Golf Course
Tucked away in a stunning pocket of Northern England and on a seafront location, there are no modern-day influences to distract from the magnificent Silloth on Solway golf experience. This course has featured continuously in the GB&I Top 100 rankings and is becoming recognised as one of the UK’s best links courses. But its location means that not many golfers have ventured all the way to the coast just yet, making Silloth on Solway Golf Course a bit of a gem.
Laid out in 1892 and designed by Scottish professional golfer David Grant, the course has over the years benefited from contributions from other classic designers. This means that it’s developed from being great to absolutely superb. And not only does it overlook the stunning Solway Firth, but it’s also less than a half hours drive from The Trout Hotel’s front door.
Attraction
The famous Leitch sisters learnt to play here with Charlotte Cecilia Pitcairn Leitch (or Cecil) going on to become the best female golfer in the world. For many of our guests at The Trout, the course has been a key tourist attraction since it opened its doors with a recent review reading:
“It has charm, character, intrigue and an identity all of its own but at the same time presents the truest, and quite often, stiffest of challenges to the golfer. It’s an inspirational golf course with an endless collection of brilliant golf holes”.
The Play
With its outstanding collection of par 3’s and very receptive greens, Silloth’s 18 hole 72 par links course is the real golfing deal. Stepping onto the greens will feel partly like a golf experience and a little like a day at the seaside. The greens are firm and fast and there are many strategically placed pot bunkers waiting for any shot that isn’t on line.
Brayton Park Golf Club
If seclusion is at the top of your golfing wish list, then Brayton Park golf club near Aspatria is another course worthy of your attention.
Although on the smaller side, the 9 hole par-32 affiliated parkland course is set in magnificent 200-acre grounds where Brayton Hall, the ancestral seat of the Lawson family, once stood. During World War II, the park became home to the Royal Air Force (RAF) and housed spectacular aircrafts such as the Vickers Wellington. Seclusion combined with historic significance makes Brayton Park golf course one of the most special golf courses in the Western Lake District.
The Play
Here, you’ll experience a cleverly renovated 2,353-yard course which operates on a ‘pay to play’ basis. There are 18 bunkers on the course with 2 water hazards all set within a backdrop of the Lakeland fells. The greens are open all year round, 7:30 am till dusk and it should be noted that there is a dress code – no tracksuits, jeans or football shirts.
Whatever your golfing level, if you’re a novice or a putting pro, Brayton Park golf course has been credited for its enjoyability throughout all seasons.
Best Golf Courses in the Western Lake District
We hope that our insider guide to the top 3 golf courses in the Western Lake District has ignited your desire to visit the area, or explore new courses if you already live here.
Challenges met, you can then retreat to the comfort and tranquillity of The Trout Hotel to reflect on your day, with a refreshingly cold pint in hand. Nestled in the Gem Town of Cockermouth, the hotel is the perfect base for a golfer or anyone who might want a peaceful getaway, within reach of some of Cumbria’s best golf courses.
To find out more about the golf experiences offered at the Trout Hotel, please get in touch with our Reception Team on 01900 823591.