Midsummer trek in the footsteps of the ancients

Rangers are offering walkers a chance to mark the summer solstice by taking a hike back through time.

A spectacular evening trek has been organised on the year’s longest day -  Sunday 21 June -  through the spectacular and historic Forestry Commission estate at Simonside, near Rothbury, Northumberland.  But you will have to book to take part on 01434 250209.

Past civilizations have left an indelible mark on the county’s landscape. At Simonside midsummer walkers will also follow in the footsteps of the ancients to scale the wood’s spectacular craggy outcrop, which experts believe was worshipped as a sacred mountain.  The 429 metre summit will offer a breathtaking vantage point to witness the setting sun in a terrain littered with 3,000 years bronze age burial mounds.

Andrea Trager, Forestry Commission Recreation Ranger, said:

“The view from the top is quite simply one of the most wonderful in England.  We’ll be describing the area’s archaeology and recounting the legends that make Simonside so romantic. The walk requires a good level of fitness, but the rewards are fantastic.” 

The trek costs £5 adults, £3 concessions and £12 for a family ticket and departs at 7.30pm from the main wood car park, a few miles south west of Rothbury, signed from the town. 

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NOTES TO EDITOR

1. The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible in England for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands. For more visit www.forestry.gov.uk/northeastengland
   
   

2. Media calls to Richard Darn on 01226 246351.  Mobile 0775 367 0038.