A walking winter wonderland in Windermere

As winter looms, a visit to the Lake District is ideal for guests wishing to fit in a healthy dose of exercise to prepare for the trials and tribulations of shopping, television and too much mulled wine. Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel is uniquely positioned overlooking Lake Windermere and is the perfect base for all kinds of walking, from a gentle stroll to day-long hikes to distant peaks.

Short Walk: Inspirational walks with views of the lake are just steps away from Holbeck Ghyll and guests can walk direct from the hotel grounds to Jenkins Crag, a highly-rated local picnic spot. A little further, the path leads down through atmospheric Skelghyll Wood into Ambleside, a picturesque Lakeland village with a plethora of shops and cafes.

Medium Walk: A second option starts from the Market Cross in Ambleside and winds its way to Grasmere via Loughrigg Terrace, where scenes from Miss Potter were filmed. The route circles back to Ambleside and has fabulous views of Grasmere, Dunmail Raise and the mountains in the background. It takes two - three hours.

Long Walk: A good option is the Beatrix Potter Walk, which starts from an exhibition on her life in the centre of nearby Bowness. The path travels around the shores of Lake Windermere and over the beautiful wooded fells of Claife Heights to the villages of Sawrey and Hawkshead, to take in the sights and sounds that inspired the famous author. Along the way, visitors can stroll through the lovely woods of Cockshott Point that she bequeathed to the National Trust and visit Hill Top, her house in Near Sawrey. It takes around six hours and is fairly easy walking.

For those who will never walk alone, dogs are welcome in guest’s rooms and the hotel grounds and if visitors without a four-legged friend would like some company the hotel’s Labradors love to meet new people from all over the world.

Once back at Holbeck Ghyll and invigorated by fresh air and countryside, guests can enjoy afternoon tea next to a roaring log fire. For those who went the distance and have tired muscles to show for it, the Health Spa can restore aching limbs with a range of techniques and treatments. Try the Fell Walkers' Life Saving Back & Leg Massage (£55) which helps stimulate circulation and includes a deep tension releasing massage for tired feet and legs. It’s the perfect remedy after a good day’s trekking, especially when combined with supper in the Michelin-starred restaurant.

Accommodation prices start from £125 per person, per night on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Visit holbeckghyll.com for more information.