Off the beaten track

Sep 19 2008 By Lucy Corry

Discover a thrilling alternative view Discover a thrilling alternative view

When they promised me an alternative view of the Lake District, this wasn't what I had in mind.

My husband is at the wheel of a bright orange four-wheel drive vehicle which is perilously perched on a rock formation high on a hill above Coniston. The oversized Tonka toy is on a 45-degree lean and my fellow backseat passenger is beginning to whimper.

Her boyfriend, in the front seat, clicks the walkie-talkie on and summons help. "Errr, Nick," he says nervously, "we might need a bit of advice on this one."

Anyone who thinks the Lake District is all about wandering as lonely as a cloud or trying to spot Peter Rabbit has never met Nick Fieldhouse.

The softly-spoken 30-something may look like he's suited to a scholarly life, but he turns into a thrill-seeking maniac at the wheel of a 4x4. Fieldhouse grew up in the area and now runs KANKKU, which offers off-road experiences through the majestic national park. I feel bad about disturbing the peace in this rugged landscape - especially when we come across ruddy-faced ramblers negotiating their way across the tracks - but this off-road expedition is brilliant fun.

In any case, there is plenty of time for relaxation and recovery when we get back to our weekend home at Lowtherwood, a four bedroom barn conversion perched above Lake Windermere.

Lowtherwood is the latest addition to the award-winning Holbeck Ghyll hotel, pictured above, and has everything a weekend house party could want.

Guests are met with Taittinger Champagne or tea and cake, each bedroom is lavishly furnished and has its own enormous ensuite bathroom. Upstairs there's plenty of room to lounge around on the inviting sofas and gaze at the view (or at the giant plasma screen TV) - and there's even a private sauna and a hot tub where you can soak away those off-road bumps and bruises under the stars.

Staying at Lowtherwood - or at one of the other self-contained lodges within the hotel's 16 acres of landscaped grounds - gives you the best of both worlds. It's great to be able to relax in your own private property, knowing that the facilities and amenities of a first-class country house hotel are just across the field.

Holbeck Ghyll, a 19th-century former hunting lodge, won a Michelin star nine years ago and has kept it ever since. To add to this feat, last year it also won the Conde Nast Johansens Taittinger Wine List of the Year award for its 280-strong wine list.

Of course, there's plenty more to the Lake District than just gorging yourself on lavish food and then gazing stupefied at the view.

Keen walkers and mountain bikers will be in their element - there are lots of easily accessed trails near Holbeck Ghyll - and history buffs can visit the former homes of William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and John Ruskin.

Would-be sailors can test their skills on any of the lakes, while landlubbers can opt for the easier option of a cruise. Holbeck Ghyll even offers some hot tips for racing fans. Hotel owners David and Patricia Nicholson have a racehorse named after their pride and joy - and David is more than happy to discuss its storming win at Epsom earlier in the year.

They might not be able to guarantee a return on your investment when the horse races next, but the odds couldn't be better for a fantastic break.

Travel facts...

Lucy Corry was a guest of Holbeck Ghyll.

Prices for Lowtherwood at Holbeck Ghyll start from £1,500 per night, which equates to £187.50 per person (based on eight sharing).

The price includes accommodation, English breakfast, tea and cake upon arrival, a Champagne reception and Michelin Star dinner.

Holbeck Ghyll reservations: 01539 432 375 or www.holbeckghyll.com

Prices for the KANKKU off-road expedition start from £300 per vehicle, per day. Visit www.kankku.co.uk for more information.