🧙 (Halloween Special) Hiking Glastonbury: The Land of Myths, Magic & Holy Grail

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Come and join us for a special day in Glastonbury! We'll enjoy some easy hiking while exploring the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which was later adopted by Christians and became Halloween.

The Samhain procession attracts many visitors to Glastonbury, featuring drummers, dancers, and a parade led by two huge dragons – one red and one white! Samhain is a very important date in the Pagan calendar, marking the division of the year between the lighter half (summer) and the darker half (winter). Pagans believed that during Samhain, the veil between this world and the otherworld was at its thinnest, allowing spirits to pass through.

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Come and join us on a special 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 surroundings, taking in the most significant places. After the hike, you'll have free time to explore Glastonbury's weird and wonderful shops – here you can buy crystals (and learn about their healing properties), tarot cards, jewellery, lotions, potions, incense, herbs and even wizard hats and magic wands! 🌟🔮🃏 There are also over 50 spectacular street art works (murals) decorating the city centre, which you'll be able to find by following the interactive Glastonbury Mural Trail map.

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
14:00-15:00 Free time for lunch and to explore Glastonbury's quirky shops
15:00 Border Morris (energetic English folk dance) at the Market Cross
16:00 Procession starts. The Glastonbury Red and White Dragons joined by Dragon Drummers will process down Glastonbury High Street to the Market Cross, where the Glastonbury Dragons will ‘battle for the season’. The winning Glastonbury Dragon will be crowned by the Mayor of Glastonbury.
17:00 Departure
20:00 London, Hammersmith

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 4 miles (7km).
Ascent: 220m.
Difficulty: Easy.

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.

TRANSPORT

As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.

SAFETY

This hike is led by an experienced, Outdoor First Aid qualified hike leader.

BOOKING

As we have 2 groups on Meetup, to confirm your place, please head to our main group. RSVP to the event you're interested in and complete the payment. Here is the link:

https://www.meetup.com/londonsocialhiking/

You're welcome to show interest and RSVP here too, however, to keep all the confirmed participants in one place/group, please follow the instructions above.

THE PRICE OF £78 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
• Professional event organisation
• Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders
• Admin fee
• 20% VAT

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance)
• Food

HOW TO CONTACT US

For all enquiries, please PM Anna (the main organiser) via Meetup. Alternatively, you can email us at info@lshiking.co.uk We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours.

Your guide will be Anna (07596844467, only for use during the hike). Please get in touch if you have any difficulty locating the meeting point or need help during the trip.

WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
• Sunscreen (if sunny)
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (if there is a chance of rain)
• Water (min 1L)
• Packed lunch (optional)
• Walking poles (optional)

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REFUND POLICY

You can check our refund policy here.