The Forestry Commission is inviting people to don their walking boots and tread in the footsteps of ancient people.

A three-hour dusk trek is being staged on Saturday 21 June to the top of Simonside, near Rothbury, Northumberland, to mark the summer solstice - the year’s longest day.

But to take part in this popular outing you will need to book on 01207 542231.

The term `summer solstice’ derives from Latin words meaning "sun" and "to stand still." The date has held huge significance for thousands of years - Celts lit bonfires and the Chinese held a Goddess of Light festival. Now rangers will lead walkers to the 429 metre summit of Simonside through a landscape dotted with 3,000 year old Bronze Age burial mounds and archaeological relics.

Andrea Trager Ranger said:

“The view from the top is simply staggering with vistas over the Cheviot Hills and Coquetdale. It’s easy to imagine how important this place was to ancient civilisations. The hill has a powerful and a rich history and experts say it was worshipped as a sacred mountain. There’s no better time to conquer its summit than on the year’s longest day.”

The walk requires a reasonable level of fitness and meets at 7pm at the main wood car park, a few miles south west of Rothbury, signed from the town (map co-ordinates - NZ037997). It costs £5 adults, £3 concessions and £12 family ticket (four people). Wear waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear. The event is not suitable for dogs. Please remember – you must book 01207 542231. For more on the Forestry Commission in the North East go to www.forestry.gov.uk/NorthEastEngland

Media calls: Richard Darn on 01226 246351, mobile 0775 367 0038.