Wild camp in the Simonside Hills, Northumberland using the new Hilleberg Akto

A wild camp in one of Northumberlands most magical places. First time outing for the new Hillerberg Akto tent. We examine a magical solstice boulder and ponder on the use of rhubarb in rituals. We find a rock we name Norman, eat some octopus and Shaun tells of a creepy night we spent in Flittingford bothy.
#simonsidehills #wildcamping #hillebergakto #wildcampinguk #outdoorlife

[@fraserconnell21]

Excellent! Let's see more from the North East!! Most sophisticated wild campers in the known universe. A new subscriber here mate👍👍👍👍👍

[@grahamswildcamping]

Ah, cheers man! Thanks for your comment and your sub! Appreciate it 👍

[@BorderRambler]

Nice relaxed camp Graham , I was camped up on my local fells last year and I was dreaming the Roman centurions were riding past my tent on white horses lol . I have also dreamt someones hands were coming through the tent and strangling me ! It won’t be long before those pesky midge are back argh . Atb Dave ( I’ve subbed too 👍)

[@grahamswildcamping]

That camp was one of my favourites last year, such a beautiful light about the place. That sounds like a great dream! Thanks for the sub, appreciate it. ATVB, Graham

[@sebbennett6203]

Great night with great company, cheers to another adventure

[@grahamswildcamping]

Welcome mate, here's to the next one, and thanks for the can !

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

I subbed after watching the Akto acquisition. Beginning to wish I hadn’t 😜😜😜😜😜

[@grahamswildcamping]

😂

[@HighlandHikers]

Sausages looked great! Very interesting info about the rock. Atb Alistair

[@grahamswildcamping]

Thanks- glad you found it interesting. Appreciate the watch!

[@PJMphotography1]

Hi Graham, I just paused after your intro. Hope your all good now? (and realised this was a year ago!) I was out in a forest next to Derwent resevoir last night. I took a new bit of kit. Flextail expel, but it didn't work! Home now covered in lumps from the midges! Loverly bathing in TCP, and think that the unit I purchased has been damaged in transit. See what they say! My all time go to is Marmite, it masks your CO2 so they can't find you. Obvs didn't use it because I thought the tech was going to do the job for me! One night, lesson learned!

[@grahamswildcamping]

Thanks, all good now, although those darned midges still find me very attractive. I had high hopes for that flextail gadget after watching some other wild camping videos, so that's a shame to hear it didn't work for you. So far, a head net is the only thing I've found that works, I'm definately a marmite fan though so I'll give that a try! ATVB, Graham 👍

[@seanconaty1144]

Looks like you had a fun night, new tent, nice views and avoided an encounter with local mythical being. Liked the bothy story , not sure what would be scarier the rattling of a latch in a remote bothy or someone trying the zip on your tent! Great vid getting better each time next land mark 1k?! Won’t be long!!

[@grahamswildcamping]

Deffo would be scarier hearing your tent zip go up! 😯 Thanks for your encouraging words but don't think I'll ever hit 1,000 subs 👍👍

[@peterjames7286]

Interesting story about the rock enjoyed watching it just got yourself another watcher to the channel 👍

[@grahamswildcamping]

Thank you very much, glad you found it interesting 👍

[@MarkDack]

Looks like you lads had a great trip there mate. I’m pleased to hear those pesky duergar dwarfs didn’t get you too🤣 Whenever I’m out on my own and pass a wood in the dark I instantly think ‘Blair Witch Project’ and freak myself out haha. Great video, enjoyed watching. Well done on hitting 100+ subs too👍🏻 Cheers. Mark

[@grahamswildcamping]

Cheers, tbh I'm the same in woodland, I find it a very eerie place to spend the night alone but hill camping is ok for some reason. Thanks for watching ATB 👍

[@sebastianforbes1]

obviously, blue is a better choice than red but, that camo cover looks bloody awesome !

[@grahamswildcamping]

The camo cover for the rucksack? Yeah I got it because I love the rucksack but wanted a stealthier look. Thanks very much for watching ATB 👍

[@Markwildcamp]

Glad you recovered from the midges, you're doing some good vids I'm sure your channel will grow, keep it up. I like the local history bits, the musky octopus probably gave you the weird dreams 😂🐙

[@grahamswildcamping]

Thanks Mark- appreciate the encouraging words for a beginner. Mebbes it was the octopus and whisky that gave me the dreams lol- they were so realistic 😆

[@Fell_Wanderer]

There have been a lot of strange happenings in the Northumbrian area down from the distant ruins of time to the present. English folk law records many examples such as the Woodwose or Green man and Duergar of Simonside. I get messages from people who have experienced unusual activity and have also experienced things myself. There is a lot we don’t fully understand about the universe and our place within. Our five primitive senses can’t detect everything around us and science has shown there are other dimensions we don’t yet fully understand. There’s nothing better than a spooky tale around the camp fire and sharing experiences of the unknown so keep doing what you do Graham, I’m sure your channel will continue to grow. ATB, Damian.

[@grahamswildcamping]

Agree that the folklore of Northumberland is fascinating and worth exploring and we've probably all had spooky experiences when out bothying or camping- and nowt better than a spooky tale! Really appreciate the words of encouragement- thank you and ATVB 👍

[@dushyantbhavsar490]

Hey Graham, thanks for the vlog inspiring. Is Hollinghill car park accessible as well?

[@grahamswildcamping]

Yes, the car park at Lordenshaw is very convenient and easy to find 👍

[@nickpotts4511]

Great video Graham, I should have been there! What comes across are the positive comments on ur new tent! Sounds like everyone had a great night.

[@grahamswildcamping]

Thanks Nick- you were a miss!

[@macinthewild8116]

Just subscribed mate - nice gentle channel. I’m just up the road 👍

[@grahamswildcamping]

Appreciate that, thanks very much 👍

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

I too am just up the road! I’m Amble

[@user-cv3fq7ch8y]

Looks a really good spot, I’m staying in Rothbury very soon and looking for a spot to wild camp. Do you have a GR for this?

[@grahamswildcamping]

Hi it’s at: “exotic.segmented.loved” On the ‘what three words’ app Enjoy your trip!

[@Christian-qs3pi]

What about the Hilleberg Atko? I saw the video of you receiving it in the post, but not seen a follow up review of the actual tent..?

[@grahamswildcamping]

I haven’t done a review yet, I was waiting until I’d used it a lot more and become familiar with it. But you’ve got me thinking now. I’ll try and post a review soon. Cheers, Graham

[@MickyM-mg5ei]

I’m from Tynemouth can u recommend answer to wild camp within walking distance

[@grahamswildcamping]

Hi Mickey, if you’re walking from Tynemouth I’m not sure as I’m unfamiliar with the area. If you’ve got a car though there is plenty of camping opportunities within a short walk if you park at Lordenshaw carpark near Rothbury or any of the main Cheviot valleys, Coquet Valley, Harthope Valley: loads of camping within short walking distances. Sorry couldn’t be more helpful, ATB, Graham

[@philipowens3847]

I was expecting a little more foul language and hair during the Gordon Ramsey segment of the video. I find covid very rude stopping me from attending these camps. Looks like it was a grand trip out.

[@grahamswildcamping]

Yeah, I cut a bit out, bit aware if kids watch the vids 🤣, mebbes I'm being over-cautious but I'm new to this game. Thanks for watching mate!

[@hillwalksandwildcamping3322]

How did the Akto perform for you Graham?

[@grahamswildcamping]

Really thoughtfully designed bit of kit. A bit of condensation on the inner fly but the conditions were humid and windless. Looking forward to using it in more ‘trying’ conditions. Cheers, thanks for watching 👍

[@hillwalksandwildcamping3322]

Glad to hear its working for you Graham 👍🏻 take it you weren't so impressed with the Smokey Octopus🤮Great vid by the way - looks like you managed to avoided the midge and the Duergar 😜

[@grahamswildcamping]

Thanks- the octopus wasn't too bad! And it pays to be wary of the duergar up there 😆