Lake District, June/July. Day 11

Election Day and M'Lady's birthday. Heather had chosen to visit a garden and then the Langdale Chase Hotel for a late lunch. We had found a garden just above Windermere that we had not visited before: Holehird Gardens. We were amazed that we had not been here before as it the HQ of The Lakes Horticultural Society. Set on the hillside above Windermere it has fabulous views across the lake to the Langdales, Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and the Coniston fells. The weather was very showery with heavy squalls blowing through but once passed the views and light were spectacular. The gardens were excellent and hold the national astilbe collection and these were in their prime and looking magnificent.

At the appointed hour we drove down to the Langdale Chase. It has recently had a major refurbishment but it has been very well done. Lunch was splendid; we had a table in the lounge looking out over the lake to the Langdale hills. It was busy on the lake with larger ferries plying their trade and smaller boats buzzing busily around. There was a constant change of light and shade on the fells that was a joy to watch.

Back to base now to wait for election news and the exit polls.