Best golf courses to take a walk on

With National Walking Month in May we take a look at the golf courses that double up as a great stroll too…

Enjoying a walk around Kirkbymoorside. Owen Humphreys/PA Wire

Many golfers have heard the old phrase, ‘golf is a good walk spoiled’. But for those golfers in the know, there are many courses that double up as great walks.

There’s something about the juxtaposition of the pristine greens and fairways to the overgrown roughs, rugged coastlines and wild seas that makes walking through a golf course a unique experience. As it’s National Walking Month in May, we thought we’d take a look at some of the best courses in the UK to take a walk on.

Kirkbymoorside Golf Club, Yorkshire
Taking in the stunning surroundings of the North Yorkshire Moors, this course has breath-taking views across the National Park. The views and walks mix parkland and moorland along dry valleys and over gentle hills.

Royal County Down, Northern Ireland
This links course is set in stunning surroundings, and it’s well worth putting your putter down for a day and heading off to explore its wilder parts.

It’s set in the Murlough Nature Reserve and overlooked by the Mountains of Mourne, with Dundrum Bay at the other side. The reserve is filled with undulating sand dunes, golden beaches and lush green forests.

Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Dornoch
Another links course, this world class venue benefits from its remoteness up in the Highlands of Scotland.

From the white sand of the Dornoch Firth to the gorse bushes that come alive with colour in the summer, a walk in the warmer months is sure to provide plenty of rewards.

And then you can head into the small town of Dornoch to try some local whiskey afterwards.

Getting around St Andrews Old course

The Old Course, St Andrews
Not only is this one of the most famous courses in the world, it’s also a great location for a walk. Heading along the St Andrew’s coast, the course overlooks stunning cliffs and beaches. And you’re only a stone’s throw from the centre of this charming town for a post-walk drink or meal.

If you want to learn a bit on your walk, join one of the guided walks where an expert takes you around the world famous 1st, 17th and 18th holes.

Camberley Heath Golf Club, Surrey
A lesser-known course, but one that embraces the natural beauty of the South East of England.

The course - designed by HS Colt - was created to make the most of the surrounding steep hills, so it can be a tougher walk than most. It’s set within 135 acres of heathland with plenty of tall pines to get lost among. Look out for the carp pond on the 16^th.

Stoke by Nayland, Essex
This course is located among some of the best of the Essex countryside.

The hotel and golf course provide stunning views, some excellently planned walking routes and a number of historic features to seek out. It’s also just a short train ride from London, so ideal for a day trip or long weekend to play a round then walk around.