Glastonbury Tor rises like an island above the flat, agricultural wetlands of the Somerset Levels. Before the 18th century, the Levels were a frequently flooded saltwater marsh with isolated hills rising up out of the mists. Glastonbury Tor is one of these hills and has been a magnet for pilgrims and wanderers for centuries. It’s no wonder then, that this landmark has been shrouded in mystery and myth since time immemorial.
Once known as the Isle of Avalon, the tor has strong links to Arthurian legend. Over the centuries, it has been rumoured to be the final resting place of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere and one of the possible locations of the Holy Grail. In Celtic mythology, the hill was believed to be a gateway to an otherworld known as The Land of the Dead. It’s been a place of pilgrimage since the 11th century at least, and it still attracts many walkers and pilgrims to this day, especially around the summer solstice.
There are many local and long-distance trails & footpaths that take you to the base of the tor and there is certainly something special about approaching it on foot, seeing it rise out of the landscape as pilgrims and walkers would have done in centuries past. The final stretch to the top is a short, sharp climb that is worth the effort for its stunning views in all directions. The roofless church tower at the top (St. Michael’s Tower) is all that remains of a church dating back to the 11th century, and adds to the mystery and atmosphere of the place.
There are no facilities at the top, but the town of Glastonbury is just a short walk away (15 – 20 minutes), offering lots of refreshment options and an eclectic mix of shops. We recommend making your way into the town and (weather permitting) pickup supplies for a picnic in the grounds of the ruined Glastonbury Abbey.
At Foot Trails, you can explore Glastonbury and the Somerset Levels on foot in our King Arthur’s Trail trip. Over six or seven nights, our bespoke trails take you through this region shaped by the myths and legends of King Arthur and his knights. Guided by our trail cards, you’ll explore a place of deep history, from ancient Saxon hilltop towns, through the ancient abbey and tor at Glastonbury to the old world charm of the Somerset Levels – a land of mystery and vintage cyder! We take care of your luggage, so you can hike with a daypack and the essentials for your day’s hike. And at the end of every day, you’ll arrive at one of our cosy country inns, where a warm welcome, a delicious meal and a great night’s sleep will be waiting for you.
To find out more about this self-guided walking holiday, visit our trip page or send us an email. We’d love to chat through your hiking plans.
FAQs
How steep is the climb up to Glastonbury Tor?
The climb up to the top is steep but short. Around 10-15 minutes of continuous walking, but you can take breaks at any time to catch your breath.
Can I park at the base of the tor?
No. There is a strict no parking policy in place. You can park in the town of Glastonbury. From there it’s just a short walk (15-20 mins) to the base of the tor.
Are there facilities or shelter at the top?
No. The church tower at the top does not have a roof. You will be fairly exposed at the top and it can be windy. We recommend taking a jacket in your daypack even on a warm day. For refreshments, we recommend descending into the town of Glastonbury where you’ll find a good choice of cafes and shops.
Do I need to wear hiking boots?
If you are just going up the tor a pair of light hiking shoes will usually suffice. However, if you are exploring the surrounding area, the Levels are notorious for being muddy and waterlogged after rain. We therefore always recommend a pair of waterproof hiking boots and gaiters.
What’s the best time of year to visit?
Any time of year. Tor is ok to walk up, but make sure you have a warm jacket as it’s exposed up the top. In winter, the Levels are prone to flooding and may be waterlogged so not the best time to walk the wider landscape. Also good to avoid the time the Glastonbury Festival is held and also the summer solstice as both of these draw large crowds to the Glastonbury and the tor.
