DH, RW, PCL, TO, AC, DL, Bill & Scrumpy
It was only a matter of time before we attempted to climb one of the counties most iconic hills on our weekly walks, the legendary Glastonbury Tor. The weather was not looking good, thunder and lightning on the forecast and certainly some heavy rain around 11ish, but with coats and backpacks we were ready for anything. The only thing we hadn’t allowed for was Cinnamon Lane coming between Richard and Phil and the rest of us, as they struggled to navigate safely to the RV, despite copious instruction provided in the week.
Heading off east through level fields we got occasional glimpses of the Tor we had yet to climb, but the biggest challenge this week turned out not to be the climbing of the hill but the poorly maintained stiles we encountered and had to climb over. It certainly proved very difficult for Adrian who had to find different ways to approach the various obstacles, and for the rest of us for how we assisted him. He approached them all with a smile and a laugh and left with sore nuts and a grimace!
Our route took us around the Millfield Junior school sports fields with acres of stables, practise rinks and equestrian fields for the horsey pupils, tennis courts for the Wimbledon hopefuls and dozens of cricket practise nets and pitches for those who appreciate the sound of leather on willow. All no doubt hoping (or in most cases their parents are) that they make it onto the roll of honour for sporting achievement and national honour.
Crossing the busy A361 we headed north, through more dodgy stiles as we started the inevitable climb to the Tor. A couple of rests as we made our way up Stone Down Lane and we were soon at the road and path to start our final ascent from the northern side. Being fine honest upstanding gentleman we all had a bit of a joke about the cars parked on double yellow lines displaying parking tickets on their windscreens, no doubt owned by the same people camping in the next field despite a large sign at the gate clearly saying ‘No camping or fires’.
The route up the Tor was along a well built path and steps, and Scrumpy set a good pace up the front. The views improved with every metre gained and was a great excuse to grab a short break as we kept slowly plodding up. Trevor and Phil decided a more direct and shorter approach was favoured for cardiac reasons and went for it - straight up!, whilst the rest of us followed the meandering path as it slowly made its way to the summit.
Whichever route, we all summited within a minute of each other and posed for the obligatory selfie as we took in the spectacular views across to the Bristol Channel, on to the Mendips and right back home to King Alfreds tower. Some ares were certainly getting a good shower but thankfully for us the day remained dry, although with a cool breeze.
Suitably rested and reenergised with Chubba lollies courtesy of Deryck (now we know what he stores in his back pack) and before the self appointed Glastonbury musicians inside the tower burst into “song” again, we started the decent down the town side of the hill, towards Chalice Well and Gardens and then back down Cinnamon Lane to the cars.
3.75 miles (6km) walked at only 1.6 mph but with a steep 470 feet of climb, it was time to head to Millies Morsels for breakfast. A quirky cafe tucked in the corner of a trading estate, but with bubble and squeak on the menu for the first time, certainly one worth trying. A hearty mug of tea swiftly followed by a good plateful and even sausages for the dogs and we were soon feeling refreshed and checking on the days Olympic medal gains, as we talked about where to head for our next walk.
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