Not just for walkers!

Oct 9 2008 by Golf North East

EVERYONE knows that the Lake District is one of the most picturesque and beautiful parts of the UK.

But the county of Cumbria isn't exactly known for its golf courses - it's far better regarded as a haven for hill walkers.

However, what the Lakes area lacks in quantity of golf clubs it makes up for in terms of sheer quality, while variety and value for money are also huge plus-points.

Tourism is of course big business in the Lakes and this refreshing attitude means that visiting golfers are welcomed with open arms.

It's no secret that golf clubs in some regions of the UK turn their noses up at visitors, preferring to uphold more traditional values.

But times are changing and the present economic climate means that clubs that have traditionally been no-go areas for visiting golfers are suddenly on the map.

Happily, Cumbria has always been a welcoming region and its golf clubs are certainly well worth considering.

And there's a remarkable amount of variety of offer too, from the mixed parkland and fell setting of a club like Alston Moor, situated in Alston, to the renowned lay-outs at Kendal and Keswick, situated four miles east of the town on Derwentwater in the heart of the Lake District.

There are fine links courses to be found too, such as Silloth-on-Solway, which often staged big national events, while the delightful James Braid design of Cockermouth also offers top-class sport.

One of Golf North East's favourite lay-outs is at Stony Holme, which is situated just off the A69 on the outskirts of Carlisle and consequently very easy to reach from all parts of the North East.

The club features an 18-hole 5787-yard par 69 course, as well as a challenging nine-hole par 3 course and a 16-bay floodlit driving range.

The clubhouse boasts a lovely bar where you can enjoy a snack or you can try something more substantial in the Riverside restaurant.

Like all courses in the Lakes, Stony Holme also enjoys picturesque surroundings with tree-lined fairways and superb views of the Cumbrian fells and the Northern Pennines. Another dimension to Stony Holme is water - the River Eden meanders around the perimeter of the course while the River Petteril comes into play on no fewer that ten occasions.

The course is also easy to walk and ideal for visiting parties who want to play more than 18 holes as the supporting facilities are first class.

---------------------------------------------------------

Factfile

Name: Stony Holme Golf Club
Address: St Aidans Road, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA7 1LF
Telephone / Fax: 01228 625 511
E-mail: stephenli@carlisle-city.gov.co.uk
Web Site: www.carlisleleisure.co.uk

Green Fees: Weekdays £13 a round,
Weekends & B. Hols £15.50
Juniors - Weekdays £6 a round
Weekends & B. Hols £8

Societies: Welcome - various packages available
Buggies: Available - £15 a round