Top 10 Best Golf Courses in High Peak

Golf in the Heart of the Peak District

The High Peak may be best known for hiking and climbing, but it also offers some of the most memorable golf in northern England. Courses here are shaped by the landscape: undulating limestone and gritstone terrain, sweeping moorland views and ever-changing weather that rewards creativity and patience. From historic clubs founded in the Victorian era to friendly valley courses, there is something for every golfer.

Golf in the area is also notably welcoming. Many clubs actively encourage visitors and offer competitive green fees, making the borough an excellent base for a golfing break combined with walking, spa visits and great local food.

1. Cavendish Golf Club, Buxton

Cavendish Golf Club is widely regarded as one of the finest courses in Derbyshire. Designed by the legendary Alister MacKenzie, the architect behind Augusta National, the course features his signature contoured greens and strategic bunkering. Its parkland and moorland character, combined with views over Buxton, make it a must-play for serious golfers.

2. Buxton & High Peak Golf Club

Founded in 1887, Buxton & High Peak Golf Club is one of the oldest clubs in the region. Its inland links-style course sits high above the town, offering firm fairways, testing winds and panoramic views. The club's long history and friendly membership give it a special place in local golfing culture.

3. Chapel-en-le-Frith Golf Club

Set in a valley beside Combs Reservoir, Chapel-en-le-Frith Golf Club offers an attractive eighteen-hole layout with water features and surrounding hills. It is well maintained, playable for a wide range of abilities and known for its welcoming clubhouse atmosphere.

4. Glossop & District Golf Club

Glossop & District Golf Club sits on the edge of the Peak District with sweeping views across Glossopdale. Its moorland setting brings natural challenges, including elevation changes and exposure to the elements, which make every round feel like an adventure.

5. New Mills Golf Club

New Mills Golf Club is a hillside course with spectacular views towards Kinder Scout and the surrounding peaks. Its tight fairways and sloping lies demand accuracy, and members take pride in its friendly, community-focused ethos.

6. Sickleholme Golf Club, Bamford

Located in the Hope Valley, Sickleholme Golf Club is a hidden gem with a beautiful setting beneath the gritstone edges. Its compact, characterful layout features streams, mature trees and elevated tees, and the surrounding scenery is among the best of any course in the country.

7. Disley Golf Club

Just across the border in Cheshire and within easy reach of Whaley Bridge and New Mills, Disley Golf Club offers a scenic heathland and moorland course with views across the Cheshire Plain. It is a popular choice for High Peak golfers looking for variety.

8. Hazel Grove Golf Club

A short drive from the western edge of the borough, Hazel Grove Golf Club provides a well-kept parkland course with tree-lined fairways. It offers a gentler contrast to the exposed moorland courses of the High Peak.

9. Bakewell Golf Club

Bakewell Golf Club, in neighbouring Derbyshire Dales, is a characterful nine-hole hillside course with excellent views of the Wye Valley. It is ideal for a relaxed round combined with a visit to the historic market town.

10. Marple Golf Club

Marple Golf Club, close to New Mills, is another convenient option for golfers in the west of the borough. Its parkland layout and friendly atmosphere make it a good choice for regular play and society days.

What Makes High Peak Golf Unique

Altitude and weather are defining features. Courses such as those in Buxton sit at elevations where wind and rain can transform a hole from round to round. Natural terrain, rather than artificial landscaping, shapes many layouts, creating a strong sense of place. Clubs also tend to be community-driven, with active junior sections and social calendars.

Trends in Local Golf

Golf participation has risen in recent years, with more women, juniors and beginners taking up the game. Clubs across the High Peak are responding with flexible memberships, taster sessions and coaching programmes. Sustainability is also a focus, with courses managing land to support wildlife and protect moorland habitats.

Tips for Visiting Golfers

Book tee times in advance during summer, pack waterproofs even on sunny days and allow extra time to enjoy the views. Many clubs offer reciprocal or visitor deals, and combining a few courses into a short golfing break is an excellent way to experience the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best course for visitors? Cavendish Golf Club is often the first choice thanks to its Alister MacKenzie heritage, while Sickleholme is a favourite for its spectacular Hope Valley setting.

Are the courses playable all year? Most remain open year-round, although winter greens and temporary tees may be used during frost or heavy rain at higher altitudes.

Do clubs welcome beginners? Increasingly so. Many offer taster sessions, academy memberships and coaching from qualified professionals, making it easier than ever to start playing in the High Peak.

Conclusion

From the MacKenzie masterpiece at Cavendish to the historic links of Buxton & High Peak and the scenic charm of Sickleholme, the High Peak offers golf that is as memorable for its surroundings as for its challenge. Whether you are a seasoned player or new to the game, these courses deliver an unforgettable experience.