If adventure is to experience different ideologies, new places and ways of life, alternative cultures and the exploration of opinions then Glastonbury is the place to do this.
It is an absolute hive of activity buzzing with people unafraid to be themselves whilst surrounded by the trappings of a modern society and enclosed within the remains of a medieval town. Known for the myths and legends surrounding both Glastonbury Tor, a prominent hillside rising up from the surrounding flat landscape and the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey. Together some would say they have made the town a thriving centre for mystical, New Age, alternative spirituality.
Integrity means being true – to who you are, what you say, and what you believe. And doing so even when no one is around to see.
Glastonbury has integrity in abundance.
Leaving the Cotswolds behind for a couple of days and staying in Wells, I arrived makeupless with my hair au naturalle to find the town full of lively characters playing a multitude of instruments wearing whatever they desire.
Shopkeepers unafraid to offer crystals, witches brews and mythological ornaments alongside religious deities from many a belief to both the local residents and tourists willing to explore their own ideas. It’s not a place for conservative coach tours full of close minded serious individuals. It’s an adventure for those willing to explore its depths.
We began our day by mooching around the shops taking in the atmosphere and wandering around the market. Those that could be described as New Age seemed so happy to be alive, they smiled, they interacted, they displayed their integrity without shyness. It was refreshing and at the same time relaxing.
Glastonbury has one of the best natural shops we’ve seen -Earthfare. In fact it’s almost a supermarket full of everything you could want if living a vegetarian, vegan or just healthy lifestyle and laden with our purchases we put them back in Conan before going back into town to visit the abbey.
The abbey was founded in the 7th century and enlarged in the 10th century before being destroyed by fire in 1184 and subsequently rebuilt and by the 14th century was one of the richest and most powerful monasteries in England.
It’s ruins, a grade 1 listed building and scheduled ancient monument are associated with the legend of King Arthur whilst Christian legend claims that the abbey was founded by Joseph of Arimathea in the 1st century. Whatever your belief it is definitely a place enveloped in spirituality. You cannot fail to be impressed by the creative intricacy when standing amongst the ruins of a building created some 7 centuries ago. How did they have the skill and the patience? How did they scale such great heights without scaffolding?
Wandering around the grounds you are surrounded by nature whilst still in the centre of town. There is a sense of peace and tranquillity, an air of relaxation. It’s definitely a place to return to more than once armed with a picnic, a good book to read and endless time.
Leaving the abbey behind us we stopped at a lovely vegetarian cafe -The Blue Note, managing to find a table on the terrace outside in the afternoon sunshine. If like us on a day out you crave healthy salad as an alternative to your normal branded, reproduced, mediocre food fuel this is a definite place to try.
Following our lunch which left us both satiated and ready to move on we returned once again to Conan to top up our parking before heading out to visit Chalice Well and heading up the Tor itself. The route to the Tor is easy to follow and Chalice Well is a beautiful haven at which to stop en route either before or after your hike.
According to legend the Chalice Well is believed to have sprung from the ground at the location where the chalice (the Holy Grail), that Jesus drank from at the Last Supper and in which drops of His blood were caught during the Crucifixion was placed.
Visitors can still drink the water which is today believed to possess healing properties.
Armed with a map of the gardens it is easy to follow the route around and visit each listed highlight. There are some lovely areas where you can stop and press pause on the life button, meditate or just soak up the quiet elements of nature. The water flows through the garden and there is a small pool where you can paddle or bathe in the waters. Overall just an oasis of calm….
The pathway up to the Tor is just behind the Chalice Well. Rising to 518 feet or as my Apple Health told me later equivalent to climbing 31 flights of 16 stairs, unless you are super fit, it’s not an easy climb. As a midlifer who walks regularly but definitely isn’t super fit I was quite pleased when youngsters half my age were also panting and taking a breath.
If you take a look at The National Trust website, who look after this precious hill, you will find a wealth of information about it’s history:
“Beneath the hill, it is said, that there is a hidden cave through which you can pass into the fairy realm of Annwn. There dwells the Lord of the Celtic underworld Gwyn ab Nudd with the Cauldron of Rebirth.
Later tradition has it that here lies the Holy Grail brought here by Jesus’s uncle, Joseph of Arimathea. The Cauldron and the Grail were both the object of quests for King Arthur and his knights.
Glastonbury has a long tradition of being ‘The Isle of Avalon’ where King Arthur went after his last battle. The monks of Glastonbury Abbey claimed to have actually found his grave in 1191.
Jesus is said to have come to Glastonbury as a boy, traveling here with Joseph of Arimathea. Joseph was a tin merchant and had travelled to the South-West for this valuable metal. This legend inspired William Blake to write the famous poem ‘Jerusalem’;
And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England’s mountains green?
And was the Holy Lamb of God
On England’s pleasant pastures seen?’
Again whatever your belief prepare to be astounded by the 360 degree views from the top where on a clear day you can see out over the three counties of Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset as well as across the Bristol Channel to Wales.
Needless to say we returned to Conan full of a sense of achievement from the climb and leaving Glastonbury with a feeling of having experienced a great adventure encapsulated into this town full of integrity.
A Midlife Adventure 