Walked by Duncan Haskell
SOUTH WEST
2.7 miles / 4.3km 1.5 hours Moderate 144m
Ynys yr Afalon (the Isle of Avalon) rises out of the winter mist and snow like Excalibur held aloft by the Lady of the Lake. This is Glastonbury Tor, a place of history, folklore and pilgrimage.
Topped with St Michael’s Tower, the summit offers spectacular views and the chance to walk in the footsteps of King Arthur. If the spirits are on your side, you may even spy a murmuration of starlings as they head to nearby Ham Wall Nature Reserve. Your short voyage complete, head back into Glastonbury to enjoy its uniquely eclectic array of shops and cafés.
1 START
Your starting point is St Dunstan’s car and coach park. With Glastonbury Abbey to your back, exit the car park and turn left down Magdalene Street, keeping Abbey Park on your left.
2 0.2 MILES
Turn left when you
reach Bere Lane. Cross over the road at the roundabout and follow it round to the right. You will see a blue sign pointing to The Tor and Chalice Well Gardens and will soon pass Chalice Well (£5 entry), still a favoured destination for Pagan pilgrims in search of divine feminine inspiration. Glastonbury Tor is said to be the masculine equivalent.
3 0.6 MILES
Turn left down Wellhouse Lane and then, following the path immediately on your right, a stone at ground level points the way “To The Tor.” Head up a flight of steps and through a gate opening out into a field.
Continue uphill then pass through a second gate.
4 0.8 MILES
Follow the steps/path up the tor until you reach the top. At the summit stands the iconic tower, the only remains of St Michael’s Church. Built in the 14th century, it replaced the previous church destroyed by an earthquake in 1275. It is rumoured that both Jesus and King Arthur visited this site (separately, of course).
