Lakeside luxury

Aug 7 2010 By Katharine Capocci, Evening Chronicle

KATHARINE CAPOCCI and family soak up the views of Ullswater on a trip to the Lake District.

WE’RE so spoiled having the Lake District practically on our doorstep. It makes the perfect getaway for a relaxing weekend break, whether walking’s your thing, good food or general communing with nature. And there’s nothing quite like the invigorating breath of fresh air you get from taking in the restful scenes of a lake or three.

Our two-night family break to a pretty spot overlooking Ullswater proved just the tonic.

In my case, struggling with a niggling knee injury, it was just what the doctor ordered. For me this was to be more of a gastronomic journey, rather than stomping up and down mountains.

Leg elevated, beautiful views on tap, and an occasional glass of rose to hand – it seemed the perfect prescription.

Our destination was the wonderfully rustic Brackenrigg Inn in the hamlet of Watermillock, directly overlooking Ullswater.

We liked the fact that it was only an hour-and-a-half’s drive, door to door, from home in Newcastle.

And what a delightful location! It is one of the quieter corners of the Lake District – we are more familiar with bustling Ambleside and Windermere – and we liked it precisely for that reason. Set on the brow of a hill overlooking the glinting lake, the Brackenrigg offers an ideal base from which to explore this beautiful part of the world.

Although it has to be said there is a road that runs directly in front of the inn and lake, there are walks galore on offer.

Helvellyn, at 3,117ft, England’s highest mountain, crowns the plateau at the head of the lake.

The towns and villages around the lake include Glenridding, Patterdale and Pooley Bridge, each with its own character.