Gravel / Gravé / Gnarmac / Groad / ATB

Want to hear from real people, so what do you recommend - currently riding mostly old steel (road) and in possession of descent alu hardtail 29er (light off-road) :

• Comfort over speed is a must, dodgy wrists awaiting more scalpel plus body not as flexible as few decades ago
  
• Budget £2k as Cycle to scheme max, usual discounts can be applied
  
• hydro brakes must
  
• leaning towards 2x front for wider choice of gears, but can be persuaded otherwise
  
• any material - carbon/alu/steel as long as within budget
  
  

Thanks