On his way to the Ryder Cup, STEVE CARROLL stopped off to play the golf course dubbed the ‘miniature Gleneagles’. He wasn’t disappointed.

A WHITE post is all that guides the eye as you line up what must be one of the most imposing opening tee shots in golf. It looks ridiculously tiny in the distance surrounded by crags, heather and fells.

Blind to the hole, and pretty much everything else as the rugged terrain rises inexorably from the tee box, it is an inspiring start to a round at Windermere Golf Club and it continues through a three-hour adventure.

The course has been dubbed the 'miniature Gleneagles' and, wanting to put what I suspected was something of a tired cliché to the test, I realised I had a perfect opportunity. Three days after an enjoyable stay in the Lake District I would be at the legendary Scottish resort to watch the Ryder Cup.

So here's the bad news: Windermere GC is not Gleneagles. The Ochil Hills, which surround and dominate the famous complex in Auchterarder, are unique.

What it is, however, is a stunning golf course in its own right – and a challenge and delight for players of all abilities. At first glance, it looks like a place the bigger hitters will simply overwhelm.

At a shade under 5,000 yards, it should be nothing more than a pitch-and-putt for those who can smash their golf balls into the stratosphere.

But that belies its charm, and its danger. It may well be on the short side, but it is narrow, imposing and waiting to catch you out at every turn. I've never had a shot into the middle of a fairway strike rocks like the sphere in a pinball machine and bounce out of bounds. Until now.

I now know only too well why you must avoid gauze at all costs.

That difficulty is part of what makes Windermere, a course with more than 120 years of history behind it, such an experience and why it must be the first port of call for any players who find themselves in Cumbria.

Cleverly, a round at Windermere comes as part of a special golfing break launched by the Cragwood Country House Hotel, and the award-winning accommodation is just a few minutes drive from the club.

Wowed by the spectacular views on the course, the scenes are equally stunning at this retreat on the banks of Lake Windermere. Set in 20 acres of gardens and woodland along the shoreline, guests are greeted by a panorama taking in the Old Man of Coniston, Scafell, Fairfield and the Langdale Pikes.

It was built in 1910 for the industrialist Albert Warbuton and boasts impressive Edwardian gardens which slope down to the lake shore and the "Inscribed Rocks of Windermere" where a reclusive stonemason, John Longmire, carved his passions and the names of his heroes in stone.

With 23 en-suite bedrooms, two bars and lounges warmed by real log fires, it is as close to the idyllic country retreat as the imagination will allow.

Key to the hotel's offering is its food and residents can enjoy a four-course meal with local produce, such as Herdwick lamb. It starts with canapes, benefits from an extensive wine list and closes with coffee and handmade chocolates.

For someone (unashamedly) more suited to the brands chains, it's quite a special experience and it's the small subtleties that make all the difference. Every menu, for example, has the day's date printed on it.

Put aside how much card the hotel must get through in a year and it's an impressive level of detail. It makes you feel like the menu has been set just for you and knowledgeable staff are extremely courteous as they guide you through the evening.

Dishes are immaculately presented and live up to the billing – and the setting.

The hotel is effectively split into two sections of rooms and each has its own dining area so you are never waiting too long to be seated. Breakfast, a choice of toasts and cereals, as well as a fulsome full English, mean you also don't leave on an empty stomach.

That's desirable because there is plenty to do in the vicinity. Cragwood Country House Hotel is immediately next to the Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole and, once you have walked the gardens and scaled the logs at Treetop Trek, you can meander down to the water and catch one of the boats making up the Windermere Lake Cruises.

Ambleside, framed by the glorious Loughrigg Fell, Lakeside and Bowness are but a short ride away.

As short holidays go, a trip to the Lake District – and the Cragwood Country House Hotel – is hard to top.

Cragwood’s three-night golfing break costs £250 per person, based on two people sharing. Dogs are welcome for a small charge. For more details, and to book, call 015394 88177 quoting ‘Inclusive Golf Break’ or email info@cragwoodhotel.co.uk