IF there’s one thing we Scots can get all snobbish and uppity about it's when anyone dares to suggest there might be other places within the British Isles that boast wonderful scenery to match our own.

It’s not that we deny such alternative lovely views exist, it’s just that after the “oh, that sounds nice”, very quickly comes the “it can’t match the Highlands, Islands, west coast, Fife ...” I am the worst for this. I will top-trump any part of these islands and was ready to do so when, for the first time, I travelled to the Lake District.

There are hills to go along with the lakes. You know, like Scotland, except obviously not as good. But bless them for trying and all that.

The trouble and strife plus myself headed there recently for the first time, which is sort of embarrassing. You can leave Glasgow and within three hours be at Lake Windermere having a drink. You take the M62 then go right. That’s it.

And were we won over? Just a bit; to the extent that within a few hours we were planning a return visit. This is a special place and I can bet with absolute certainty that many people reading this have always wanted to visit but for some reason never got around to doing so.

We stayed in the ridiculously pretty town of Ambleside. It’s what anyone who has never been to England thinks England looks like. It’s cookie in that it doesn’t really make sense, which it’s all the better for.

There are houses above streams. Alleyways lead to nowhere. Nothing seems to be in its place. It’s brilliant. If you are one of those people who can wander round strange towns all day, quite happy to while away the hours doing next to nothing, then this is your Graceland.

There are pubs. Lots of them. And one thing we have to give our English cousins is, they do a good pub. As for restaurants, you are spoiled for choice. On our second night we went to Sheila’s Cottage in the town centre. Superb doesn’t begin to cover it.

The menu changes daily but one thing that can always be found among the eclectic choice is a Sunday roast, which Sheila tells us should be available every day of the week. Quite right. This should be the law.

If you fancy really splashing out then in nearby Cartmel is the Michelin-starred L’Enclume, with superstar chef Simon Rogan. Next time.

We stay at the award-winning Waterhead Hotel, which is on the higher end of the accommodation market. My take on this has always been that when you pay a little more, you deserve a lot more. This place did not disappoint.

Let’s start with the free gin, which is literally what we do. There it is, two large (free) measures, locally sourced and laid out for us along with gingerbread and bar snacks, nuts and jelly beans, which the trouble and strife describes as “posh”.

We are here for two nights. The gin is replenished the next day. This pleases us greatly.

Our room has a balcony overlooking the lake, the bed is ridiculously comfy, and the food several cuts above what you might expect in a hotel –even one which was slightly on the posh scale.

There are no leisure facilities onsite; however, a mile away is the Low Wood Bay Leisure club with a pool, hot tub, sauna and the rest. Guests of the Waterhead get free access.

And so to the food. Highlights include Bury black pudding and haggis Scotch egg, roasted peasant breast and grilled cod. Not great for the waistline but superb.

And then there's the breakfast. Everything you would want including a splash of whisky for your porridge. It's a bit early for us; however, it’s these touches, the quirky things, which make any hotel memorable.

They even have Beatrix Potter stories piped into bathrooms. It is her part of the world after all.

A walk is needed the morning after such a feast and, on the recommendation of the friendly and helpful hotel staff, we are advised to take the brilliantly named Coffin Route from the centre of Ambleside to the town of Grasmere about six miles away.

This is William Wordsworth country – there are daffodils – and the beginning of the walk takes you past one of his houses and ends at Dove Cottage, where he and his family called home for many years and where he wrote some of his greatest works.

Now, I don’t know my Wordsworth from my Wilde but this is a fascinating insight not only into the man himself but into life in the 19th century. A museum is behind the house, which has hardly changed for the best part of 400 years.

I am dragged into it but am richly rewarded by the experience.

Now it’s off-season, and while there are still plenty of tourists about, you got the sense this is a good time to visit as there aren’t huge crowds. It does get properly busy during the holiday season.

Because it is touristy, you won’t want for anything. There are pros and cons to this; as pretty as it is, you aren’t really getting away from everything, but Grasmere in particular has sensibly stayed traditional.

Take the car, do a bit of driving, don’t plan anything, just see where the back roads take you. Around every corner there is a spot worth stopping at.

Go. Seriously. Get yourself down there. As Wordsworth himself said: “The loveliest spot that man hath ever found."

The man was not lying.

Neil Cameron was the guest of the Waterhead Hotel, Ambleside. Rooms from £140 per room per night, based on two adults sharing, including full English breakfast. Reservations: 0333 2203 106; Telephone: 015394 32566

The Waterhead Bar & Grill offers uncomplicated modern European cuisine in light and airy contemporary surroundings. Starters from £5.50, mains from £14.95, desserts from £4.50.

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Five things to do in the Lake District

Unlike in the Highlands, you don’t have to be super-fit to walk here. There are some big hills right enough but there are many low-level paths to be taken with no need for maps and all that nonsense.

Ask the locals for directions and they will be happy to tell you about relatively easy walks offering great views and lovely scenery.

Please visit the Wordsworth house and museum. The walk along the Coffin Route to Grasmere is simple enough and you are rewarded at the end – the path takes you right past the house – by a genuinely fascinating insight into life in the 19th century. You will be glad that you were not born then.

Speaking of Grasmere, this little town, or large village depending on your point of view, has to be seen to be believed. Beyond chocolate-box and it’s where Wordsworth is buried.

This is Beatrix Potter territory and a visit to her museum is a must, even if you did think Peter Rabbit was a bit annoying. The world of Beatrix Potter is in Bowness-on-Windermere.

There is a reason this area is called the Lakes. There are loads of them. Wrap up warmly, get on one of the many reasonably priced boat trips and spend an hour or so on the water. You can even leap on and off too visit the surrounding towns.