What is now known as Glastonbury was, in ancient times, called the Isle of Avalon. It is virtually an island, for it is completely surrounded by marshlands. In Welsh it is called Ynys Afallach, which means the Island of Apples and this fruit once grew in great abundance.

The apples still thrive in Glastonbury!
We visited the Avalon Orchard on the slopes of Glastonbury Tor.

There are many varieties of apples growing there.

It’s a place that everyone can experience. Some people go there to meditate and enjoy the peace & quiet. Alternately, they have family activities sometimes, like apple picking in the autumn I believe, and wassailing in January.

Wassailing is an ancient custom that involves drinking cider, singing to the trees in the hope of a good harvest and scaring away any evil spirits that might be lurking.

As we went in the spring-Easter Monday to be exact -there were no apples, but it was the lambing season. Those little critters are quite fearless, and curious, so I was able to take photos.

The Tor is managed by grazing sheep and cows. The livestock help to keep the grass short in a natural and traditional way.

The walk up to the Orchard was quite lovely.

We did what we called “the spiral dance:
..walking around the Tor this time,  instead of up and down theTor. Walked up the increasingly  steep hill past the White springs, around the Tor to the Avalon Orchard, then down and around  the narrow path to join up with the steps that marked the descent down the Tor.

It was a fantastic day, and I look forward to returning in the autumn to feast on nature’s bounty & great variety of apples.

By the way, as usual, Glastonbury rocked! I love the spiritual vibes and nipping into my favourite shops for incenses & coffee and grub. 😁