Appleby: A gloriously minimalistic moorland

This is a moorland where at least some of the greenkeeping is carried out by the sheep who call the course their home.

The course is set remotely on glorious expansive moorland from where there are panoramic views of Lakeland Fells.

The cleverest thing about Appleby is that it is so natural, so minimalistic, that you almost can’t see it from the road.

History

The minimalist design was produced by 1883 Open champion Willie Fernie, and he left a handful of bunkers, all of them greenside, but the real defences here come with the contours of the land and the ever-present breeze up on Brackenber Moor.

Soon after opening, the course was described by the Manchester Guardian as “a champion’s course” and “The Sunningdale of the North.

What makes it special

You have to embrace the minimalist nature of 1883 Open champion Willie Fernie’s design. It’s very clever and there’s way more going on than you might first think as you survey the surrounding moorland.

If you’re visiting Appleby in early June, you simply have to check out the world-famous Appleby Horse Fair which is a colourful annual gathering of Gypsies and Travellers.