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I’m leading this hike for London Social Hiking and sharing it here so my KoZa Trails crew know when I’m out on the trails in the UK. 😊
👉 Please note: all sign-ups and payments need to be done through London Social Hiking’s Meetup page here: https://www.meetup.com/londonsocialhiking/events/312988933/?eventOrigin=your_events
RSVPs on KoZa Trails are just to show interest and don’t secure a spot.
Shout if you’ve got any questions — it would be lovely to see some familiar faces! 🌿🥾
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Come and join us on a new trip to Glastonbury, possibly the quirkiest town in England, and home to the famous Glastonbury Music Festival! This city is at fascinating crossroads of various religions and spiritualities, from Christianity and paganism, to Druidism and witchcraft, and is unusually rich in legends and mythology. Glastonbury Tor, which we're going to climb, took centre stage in the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, celebrating the “idyllic, mythical England”.
Our 4-mile route will follow the Glastonbury Way around the town and its beautiful landscape, taking in the most significant places. We’ll also visit the beautiful White Spring temple at the base of Glastonbury Tor (free entry). Candle-lit and atmospheric, it is a unique and sacred space long cherished by pilgrims and local people, and commonly used for quiet reflection, ceremonies and meditation. Opposite the White Spring are the peaceful, sunlit gardens of Chalice Well and the Red Spring, which you’re also welcome to visit for a small entry fee.
After the hike, you’ll have free time to explore Glastonbury’s weird and wonderful shops. This is the perfect place to browse for crystals (and learn about their healing properties), tarot cards, jewellery, lotions and potions, incense, herbs – and even wizard hats and magic wands! 🌟🔮🃏The town is also home to more than 50 spectacular pieces of street art, with colourful murals decorating the city centre and adding to Glastonbury’s vibrant, creative atmosphere.
This trip is suitable for BEGINNERS – a great way to experience hiking before joining our more difficult trips! 🤩
LEGENDS OF GLASTONBURY
There are many legends surrounding Glastonbury. Below are the most famous ones.
Jesus and Joseph of Arimathea
Jesus is said to have come to Glastonbury as a boy, travelling here with his uncle, Joseph of Arimathea. Joseph was a tin merchant and had travelled to England's south west for this valuable metal. After the crucifixion of Jesus, Joseph travelled to Britain with the Holy Grail (the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper), which he buried under Glastonbury Tor.
The Holy Thorn
Joseph is said to have arrived in Glastonbury by boat over the flooded Somerset Levels. On arriving, he climbed up Wearyall Hill (a 15-minute walk from Glastonbury centre). Exhausted, he thrust his staff into the ground and rested. By morning his staff had taken root and grown into a miraculous thorn tree, known as the Holy Thorn. A flowering sprig of the Holy Thorn is cut every year and presented to the monarch, where it resides on his Christmas Day breakfast table.
The Isle of Avalon and King Arthur
For many people, Glastonbury represents the Isle of Avalon, the mythical island of Celtic tradition, believed to be a gateway to the underworld. Glastonbury is said to be the final resting place of the legendary King Arthur.
DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY
Distance: 4 miles (7km).
Ascent: 220m.
Difficulty: Easy.
ITINERARY
07:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
08:00 Sharp departure
11:15-14:00 Hike to Glastonbury Tor, 2000-year-old oak trees of Gog and Magog and the White Spring
14:00-16:00 Free time for lunch and to explore Glastonbury's quirky shops
16:00 Departure
19:00 London, Hammersmith
TRANSPORT
As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.

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