Glastonbury Tor, Somerset
Today we finally made it up Glastonbury Tor, the most magical and special heart place for both of us, not least because on winter solstice many years ago, we spent our first night together in the town where the Tor is located. The drive there was windy and cold, and full of cider, we'd stopped so I could have a wee on the side of the road. I'll never forget seeing the Tor, lit by the moon and coming out of the dark hedges. From childhood, I was besotted with King Arthur and the stories of his knights. The king and his wife are meant to be buried at the Abbey, or at least were at one point.
The tor is older than that, too, having been around since neolithic times. You can't help feeling as if the place is infused with magic as you begin the ascent from the base. We always go the 'back way', rather than the tourist route, and go up through a grove of ash, hawthorn and other beautiful trees that form a shaded and cool route before the hotter ascent on this beautiful Spring day.
There is a strange terracing on the mound that people say might be a maze - an ancient mystical pattern created over five thousand years ago, or around the same time as Stone Henge. It's not possible to see it from this vantage point, but there is an ancient orchard on the other side hints at the people who lived here long ago.
Legend has it that after the crucification of Christ, Josephy of Arimethea travelled here with the Holy Grail, and arriving at the Isle of Avalon, he thrust his staff into the ground, which took root and became the sacred Glastonbury Thorn. He is said to have buried the grail just below the Tor at the Chalice well, where the water was meant to bring eternal youth. Each time we come to Glastonbury we fill our water vessels with water from the springs - there are two taps at the base, and both waters taste differently, one very much like iron. Sadly, I keep aging.
The tower at the top was built by St Michael in the 14th century, making the hill immediately recognisable where ever you are in the area.
From the top, one can see for miles - all the way to Bristol across the Somerset levels, and to the towns below. I always used to come here for the feeling of space that I lacked in the small valley in the small house in which we lived in the first six months of our relationship. Even now, I am appreciative of the horizon. I hug onto the hill in pure joy, so thrilled to be here again.
Spectacular what energy there is up there hey! Did you visit the well also beautiful 💯🐒