Aspects of Avalon

The Tor dominates the surrounding countryside. Surprisingly, it's often not so visible in the town, for instance it is almost invisible from the Abbey, where it is hidden by the rounded bulk of Chalice Hill. It rises majestically from the Somerset Levels, and there is a symbiotic relationship between the Tor and the Chalice Well. The Tor is surmounted by the ruined tower of St Michael's Chapel. How do you like your ascent, steep or less steep? Many visitors to Glastonbury want to climb the Tor, and there are good views to be had over the Somerset Levels from the top. There are two routes - a steep route from Stone Down Lane approaching from the north-east, and and less steep route that starts from Wellhouse Lane very near the Chalice Well approaching from the west. The steep route ascends roughly the left-hand side in the header image here, the route from the Chalice Well ascends the right-hand side. You start from roughly 20m at the Abbey car park and the top is 158m. In summ

 The High Street is a fascinating, otherworldly place, with interesting nooks and crannies. It's more Harry Potter than normal British high street. It reflects the rich heritage of the town as a spiritual centre in the past, and a different kind of spirituality now. Unusually, most of the shops are independently run, and this diversity gives the High Street an old-world charm. Let's face it, there's not much need for a chain of crystal shops,  most of what's sold isn't to be found in most High Streets.  The High Street at night. More night photos here You don't come to Glastonbury High street to pick up your daily supplies. You come here for crystals, esoteric books, sound bowls, Goddess paraphernalia and spiritual supplies.  Glastonbury draws in visitors from all over the world, though particularly from Europe. More recently it is the site of the first modern Goddess temple in recent years, but all sorts of spiritual traditions are catered for.  

The Egg Stone by the back of the Abbot's Kitchen in Glastonbury Abbey is widely known and easy to visit. There's an even bigger one on Glastonbury Tor which sits high up on the south side of Glastonbury Tor. It isn't visible from the top due to the lie of the land, despite being about twice as big of  the Abbey stone. Egg Stone on the south side of Glastonbury Tor This isn't an ancient megalith, rather a natural phenomenon called Tor Burrs of hardened material being ejected from the softer ground. There are a few smaller stones of a similar material by the side of the tourist path coming up from Fair Field starting from Wellhouse Lane A smaller pair of these stones by a low bench and one by the side of the path The Egg stone at Glastonbury Abbey behind the Abbot's Kitchen is a rather smaller affair than the Tor Egg stone The Egg Stone behind the Abbot's Kitchen at Glastonbury Abbey