North Cumbria

Rob Smith makes an enthusiastic and early return to one of England's most beautiful golfing counties having visited its southern reaches a few months ago

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Having enjoyed the lower half of the county as recently as June, and despite the 350 miles separating us, it was impossible to say no to the opportunity to return to Cumbria in October and experience a few of its more northerly gems. This time I was joined by my partner in course adventuring, Jeremy Ellwood, with our trip put together by our new friends, Carl and Lee, who run Golf Lake District, an organisation showcasing the incredible variety, beauty and value of golf on offer in this region.

The golfing Garden of Eden

Our journey began with the two courses at Eden Golf Club punctuated by a stopover at the perfectly located Crown and Mitre Hotel in nearby Carlisle. The original 18-hole Championship course opened in 1992 and was designed by the owners. It starts on a fine dogleg-right with a pond at the elbow, while the 4th and 5th run parallel to the Eden river. Playing over a level parcel of lush parkland, it is tree-lined without ever feeling claustrophobic, and finishes with a tempting par 5 that will raise hopes of a birdie.