Mar27 highestcourse

Question: What is so special about Alston Moor golf course, apart from the fact the little known – little being the appropriate word – Cumbrian course unusually only has ten holes? You probably haven’t got a clue so let us put you out of your misery: Alston Moor lays claim to being the highest course in England and possibly the United Kingdom.

Well, there you have it. Talk about golf on high and it’s fair to say on a clear summer’s day you’ll simply be in golfing heaven in more ways than one at this wonderfully remote golfing venue.

The course covers 132 acres of parkland, high meadow and pasture land and can be found on the side of a fell, the highest point being over 420 metres above sea level when you’re standing on the last tee. There’s no doubt your concentration levels will be sorely tested to the bitter end at Alston where you are afforded breathtaking vistas down the South Tyne valley and across to Cross Fell, the highest point of the Pennines.

“It’s a great and special place to play golf on a lovely day,” said club secretary Paul Parkin. “On the other hand, if the weather is dodgy it can be a pretty grim place.”

Clearly if you fancy a golfing encounter with a difference, Alston will do the trick. It won’t cost you much for your trouble either…you can play as many holes as you want, or can manage, for £13 in midweek. And, just in case Paul and his staff are not around, don’t forget to leave your green fee in the ‘honesty box.’ Please…

* It’s a fact: Alston Moor GC was founded in 1905 and has occupied numerous sites over the years. The current site, ‘The Hermitage,’ is situated two miles south of Alston on the B6277.