WELLIES, mud-caked, and puffing and huffing, climb the last few metres to the top.
A friendly local had assured us that the steep climb up to the Brant Fell Viewpoint in the heart of the Lake District was well worth the sweat — and he was right.
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Enjoy a magnificent, panoramic view of Lake Windermere from a grandstand.
Our home from home during our break was the Wild Boar Inn — one of two hotels in the Windermere area run by English Lakes Hotels — and what a treat it is.
It is a traditional country hotel in every sense, from the roaring log fires to the low ceilings and twisty corridors — but the highlight is undoubtedly its location.
It sits in the beautiful Gilpin Valley and the private 72-acre wood-land right next door is a haven for birdwatchers and ramblers — offering walking trails both long and short.
The hotel is named after local legend Sir Richard de Gilpin, who is said to have slain the last wild boar in the historic county of Westmorland — now part of Cumbria — more than 700 years ago.
Although nowadays the butchery is confined to the hotel’s acclaimed Grill and Smoke-house open kitchen, which serves seasonal local produce.
I can personally vouch for the Cumbrian lamb and my husband raved over the homemade chicken pie.
Whether you’re into hiking, cycling or sightseeing, or simply like a home-cooked meal washed down with a pint of the finest ale or glass of wine, you won’t be disappointed.
Its dry and hoppy Mad Pig ale is a product of the hotel’s own micro-brewer and went down far too well.
That, and bellies full of breakfast fry-ups, made our trekking break all the more challenging — but we were rewarded with those views.
Windermere, England’s largest natural lake, is just a ten-minute drive from the hotel — and a visit to pretty Bowness-upon-Windermere, just up the road, is a must.
There are many cafes, restaurants, and cozy pubs along the cobblestone streets. You will also find quaint souvenir shops, and art galleries.
While in town make sure to visit Roly’s Fudge, too.
The traditional confectionery shop was founded in Devon but has made its way to the Lakes — with a display window crammed full with boxes of chunky home-made fudge in all sorts of flavours, from honey-comb and maple with cashew, to Baileys pumpkin spice and chocolate orange.
We parked near the marina, which cost £7.50 for the full day and is much cheaper than car parks further up the high street.
It is the ideal place to explore the water.
FUDGE SHOPPING
From there you can grab a steamer — many of which regularly sail north to Waterhead and Lakeside.
You can hop on and off wherever you like with a variety of tickets and routes.
Or you can rent motorboats to accommodate groups of 10 or more, as well as rowing boats and paddle-boards.
The World Of Beatrix Potter Attraction is back on terra firma and a must-see for kids.
It tells not only of the late author’s writing but also her importance to conservation in the Lake District.
If you’re more of a history enthusiast, though, the award-winning Windermere Jetty Museum includes fabulous exhibitions and family-friendly activities and workshops dedicated to the boats and people of the lake down the years.
We had to say goodbye to the museum on the last evening. Hyltons Restaurant is just up the road, and serves classic British dishes like a Tomahawk steak.
After we had stuffed ourselves, we were tempted to have a cup of tea in our large, stainless-steel tub back in our Wild Boar room.
This is a very British way to end a very British holiday.
GO: WINDMERE
STAYING THERE One night’s B&B at the Wild Boar hotel costs from £121, based on two adults sharing a twin or double room.
For more details, see englishlakes.co.uk/the-wild-boarOr call 0330 443 354.
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