🧙 Hiking Glastonbury: Land of Myths, Magic & Holy Grail Legend

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Explore Britain’s most stunning trails in a small group of up to 15, travelling together by private minibus to beautiful, remote locations not easily reached by public transport.

We’ve created a list of FAQs to help answer your questions.

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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.

BOOKING

To keep ticket prices down and avoid PayPal/Meetup fees (£7 extra per ticket), we kindly ask for payment by bank transfer. Please include your Meetup name and the trip as the payment reference (e.g. John Glastonbury). As places are limited, we can hold your place for 24 hours.

Business Account Name: London Social Hiking Limited
Sort Code: 20-17-20
Account Number: 63116514

We'll let you know by changing your status to “Paid” as soon as the payment is cleared. You can check your status next to your name in the attendees list of the event. You don’t need a paid Meetup subscription to do this – just close any pop-up windows and continue.

THE PRICE OF £78 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional CPC/PSV minibus driver
• Professional event organisation
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced Mountain Leader
• 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 Milena (07869815577, 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
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (if there is a chance of rain)
• Water (min 1L)
• Packed lunch (optional)
• Walking poles (optional)
• Gaiters (optional)

REVIEWS ⭐

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REFUND POLICY

You can check our refund policy here.