The National Trust is offering a unique chance to watch the world awaken on the morning of the longest day of the year, at its Stackpole Estate on June 23, when the solstice marks the beginning of summer for the earth north of the equator.

The National Trust at Stackpole Estate will celebrate the beginning of summer with a guided Solstice Walk at dawn, from Stackpole Quay on June 23 from 3 am until early morning.

The walk will head over to Barafundle Bay and then onto Stackpole Head to watch the rising of the midsummer sun, and listen out for the awakening of the birds out on the headland.

Originally a pagan holiday, the date continues to have significance to many and research from the National Museum of Wales has shown how the solstice celebrations have always been linked to Pembrokeshire.

In December 2011, the National Museum of Wales announced the source of the rock used to create Stonehenge's first stone circle - where druids celebrated the solstice - was a 70-metre (230-foot) long rock outcrop called Craig Rhos-y-Felin near Pont Sawson in North Pembrokeshire, 140 miles from Stonehenge!

Head Ranger Chris Oliver said: "This is a popular walk on the estate and to watch the summer sun rise over the spectacular Stackpole Head is truly inspiring and we hope lots of new visitors will participate. In ancient times, solstices were important in helping people know when to plant crops and the timing of the harvest, which played a key role in their lives. So the significance of Solstice is not just a pagan event but important for countryside living."

The walk then continues over the estate to the site of the Devils Quoit where visitors can learn of the macabre folklore of the stone and the history and archaeology of the surrounding area.

Devils Quoit is said to be one of the 'Dancing Stones of Stackpole'. The others are Harestone and Haroldstone. Sometimes they meet up and go to Rhyd Sais where they dance the 'Hay dance' to the Devil's music until they are too tired to dance anymore. It is believed that somebody witnessing the dancing will have exceptionally good luck.

After the early morning start, what better way to round off the morning, with breakfast in the Boathouse back at the Quay. For any larks out there, why not set the alarm and join in the magical solstice walk and really kick start your summer.

There are limited spaces available, so if you don't want to miss this solstice event, please call the National Trust on 01646 661425.