A Tranquil Oasis ..

on a pretty crazy day in the Lakes.

A lovely day has been had as we went to Lakeland in Windermere as it is getting around to chutney making time. Our ancient food processor blew up some time ago but with the prospect of a glut of tomatoes we needed a new one. Chris suggested a day out.

We took our friend and stopped on the way for a coffee at Country Harvest, quite busy but not unpleasant. Not too bad in Lakeland too but Chris took his time choosing his machine.

We set off then down to Bowness and on to Rydal, just beyond Ambleside. It looked like the whole world was holidaying in Bowness and not much better in Ambleside especially as there was a Hound and Sheepdog Trial going on in Rydal Park - but we had a great 'heads up' from trevorearthy about Rydal Hall which he showed in his blip yesterday.
Rydal Hall is a retreat set in lovely gardens and entrance to them is free. It could have been another world. There were a few people around and the footpath from Ambleside to Grasmere passes through here but it was wonderfully tranquil compared with the Lakeland hot spots.
Here is a picture of what I thought was a beautifully shaped Acer in the Quiet garden which leads down to the river. I liked the stump too with it's contrasting coloured sprouting ferns and fungi. You can see the other side with the sculpture of an angel in the extra. (Strangely the angel has been carved out of a lump of limestone from York Minster)

The Hall itself is surrounded by beautifully kept formal gardens.
To complete a lovely outing we had tea and cake in the Old School House just behind the hall.

Thank you very much for the tip Trevor.