Overnighter-Simonside Hills-Rothbury_Northumberland

Simonside is my favorite location up in Northumberland. Its hills are steeped in history and full of rock art. In all the time I've been visiting this place I have never grown tired of it. I've spent one night up in the hills before, but have been planning a solo overnighter for a while now. A simple set up-just sleeping bag and bivvy with a simple inflatable camping mat-no tent or basha: a proper over nighter exposed to the stars and the elements. Its the first time i had used this mat and it was surprisingly comfortable given my back issues. I didnt sleep much after a thick mist came in and soaked the bivvy and the hood of my sleeping bag. I slept a couple of hours though, around the early morning. The dawn was stunning. All in all a successful trip and proof it can be done on public transport-3 buses in from Chester le Street and a hike in from Rothbury. Next on the list is an overnighter up on my favourite walk-Wyndy Gyle, then a winter bivvy back at Simonside. I may look at the possibility of trying St Oswalds Way before I start a training course in Sept.