Least busy place in Cumbria for week long break?

[AuroraBunsenBurner]

We are travelling via train and plan to do some brisk, chilly walking whether hilly or flat.
Stuck choosing between Windermere and Grange over Sands, which offer what we like at a decent price, but which would be the least busy in Nov?
My Dsis says Windermere is busy as heck all year round now, but neither of us are familiar with Grange.

Will be choosing central properties since not taking car so imagine we will still experience some traffic noise and whatnot.

Would prefer the less busy one!

I am thinking it is the stop between Burneside and Kendal or thereabouts? Never heard of any other in that area.

Is Grange depressing?

Penrith is nice and public transport is very good to the central lakes.

Grange doesn’t really have any pubs if you like a drink after a walk. Windermere a better choice for choice of evening restaurants/pubs or walk down to Bowness. Bowness getting a bit of a bad press for behaviour lately though but can’t say I’ve seen any.

Could get train then bus to Ambleside or even Keswick.

I know a few people who have moved from Windermere as they couldn't stand the increase of tourism of the non- summery months.

They said there just isn't a time it isn't busy anymore.

Haverthwaite is a lovely area and not far from the southern end of Windermere. Lots of lovely woodland walks. And if you are keen walkers probably within walking distance of Grange.
As an expat very little would entice me to Windermere apart from Lakeland plastics but it has historical significance. It started life as a small warehouse where you could buy containers to use in your freezer. My mum was an early freezer owner in the 1970s so we had to shop there when we were in the area. She was also a collector of kitchen gadgets so continued to shop there as they expanded. Nowadays we visit for the restaurant. If you want to visit Windermere you can get a ferry from Lakeside which can be reached by the steam railway from Haverthwaite. It's a short trip. There is also the Lakes Aquarium there.
There is a great motor museum in Haverthwaite, for anyone interested in the history of cars they have many, many exhibits.
The Lake District is so much more than Windermere. It's like Newquay in Cornwall. And as for Ambleside the only thing you can buy there is overpriced wet weather gear.
If you go to Grange the local Coop will likely sell meat and potato pies. My son is a big fan. Someone had a stall selling them at Boardmasters in Cornwall this year ( probably not popular with the locals) he introduced all his friends to them. The other thing you can often buy in south lakeland is salt marsh lamb but it may be out of season when you go up there.

This is where we stayed near Haverthwaite - really lovely www.lakedistrictlodgeholidays.co.uk/wateredge-mill-lodge-park.html

I've enjoyed Grange when I've stayed there (hotel). Train station on the doorstep. Good bus service. Has a Victoriana feel about it.

Humphrey Head and Hampsfell are a couple of good walks from the doorstep.

Bus to Windermere - Gummers How, Orrest Head.

Train across the bay to Arnside for Arnside Knott.

Plenty of lower level but still hilly walks in the Rusland valley (west of Windermere).

The bay is the only flat bit!