From the TIC go up High Street in an easterly direction towards the Tor. The Abbey is open for visitors and this can be visited either before or after completing the walk although there is admission charge. This walk starts opposite the Tourist Information Centre (grid ref ST499389) at the western end of the High Street. It is this complex mix of Christian and Pagan myths that provide the town with its unique character. More recently Glastonbury has reinforced its reputation as a special earth-sacred site where many leys meet, come together and diverge, connecting with the other power centres of the world. The factual history of Glastonbury sits alongside the myths of Avalon with its links to King Arthur. The lead was stripped from the roofs and the buildings were left to decay. The Abbey was closed as a result of the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII. This great monastery drew pilgrims from all corners of the kingdom and helped ensure that Glastonbury became a thriving town.

Glastonbury was one of the wealthiest Abbeys in the land, its Abbot playing a major part in the ruling of England. By the Middle Ages this had become the great Benedictine Abbey the remains of which can be seen today. Dunstan began building a new Abbey in 950 AD and this was based around an earlier wooden church. Glastonbury is a small market town with a unique heritage dominated by the 'Tor', which can been seen from many miles across the Somerset Levels. Time - 1 hours 40 minutes Grade - easy Maps Ordnance Survey Explorer 141 Length - 2.5 miles / 4.1 km Ascent - 430 feet / 130 metres

Glastonbury tor uk