Freya's Cabin, Kielder Water

First proper day of the holiday, like where you get off your slightly rested backside and go out and do something. The shore of Kielder Water is dotted with activity centres joined together by a 27 mile cycle track. We went to Leaplish where they have a very good bird of prey centre. The birds were excellent - tame enough that they would happily sit on the kids' hands being stroked but having lost none of their appetite or capacity for catching food on the wing and feeding while they're flying. They put on a good show of owls, hawks, vultures and (surprise to me) pelicans, sounding all the time like Billy out of Kes.

Lunch and then a walk along the shore to Freya's Cabin. Built as one of the many artworks placed along the cycle track, the hut (and it's partner across the lake) come from the modern 'legend' of Freya and Robin. And a nice wee hut it is for a stop to rest a wee boy's weary legs.