.svg)
Glastonbury Pre-May Day Pilgrimage
Glastonbury is one of Britain's oldest and greatest pilgrimage destinations. And this pilgrimage will prepare you brilliantly for the May Day celebrations occurring the day after.
This beautiful day route, 5 miles long around Glastonbury centres around two things: healing water and the rich overlay of traditions and stories.
Led by the British Pilgrimage Trust's (BPT's) Guy Hayward, there will be lots of dialogue between folklore and religion – think Arthur, Guinevere & Morgan Le Fay, the man who buried Jesus, the Holy Grail, the goddesses of Ceridwen, Bride & Brigid.
You will meet:
- St Margaret’s Chapel
- Wearyall Holy Thorn
- Goddess Temple (if space allows)
- The old oaks of Gog Magog
- The Tor (and for daring pilgrims, its Egg Stone)
- The White Spring and Chalice Red Spring.
Read more here about Glastonbury Abbey, Tor, and the Chalice Well.
Beltane Celebrations on May 1st
We recommend pilgrims stay on the day after to take part in the Beltane Celebrations, 1st May, from 4.30 am at the Tor, 6.30 am at Chalice Well and 10 am and noon approx at Market Cross, and 2pm at Bushey Combe. These community celebrations are free and put on by the good people of Glastonbury.
Qualities of the Day
- Telling many folkloric tales that mesh ancient Pagan and Christian stories
- New ways of meeting holy places
- Pilgrim songs on the path
- Opportunities for silence
- Rediscovering your place in the British pilgrimage tradition
- Natural beauty
- Elemental power.
This is a 'Bring Your Own Beliefs' pilgrimage.
For a more detailed description of the whole experience see details of the self-guided Glastonbury Way Day Pilgrimage.
Normal for Glastonbury?
Glastonbury town is a symbolic crossroads. Few places in Britain hold so many overlapping narratives within such a small geography: prehistoric landscape, Celtic legend, early Christianity, Arthurian romance, monastic pilgrimage, Romantic mysticism, Goddess spirituality, ecological activism and global contemplative traditions.
It is precisely this layering that makes this land such a powerful emblem of “bring your own beliefs”.
Read your guide Guy Hayward's thoughs about Glastonbury in his story "Normal for Glastonbury?"
What to bring
Packed lunch; appropriate clothes and shoes; Waterproofs or Umbrella; Waterbottle.
Travel
Car probably easiest for parking in town centre, but for train head to Castle Cary plus taxi (if you contact us we could organise sharing). Buses also from Bristol and Bath.
Accommodation & Food
- The Covenstead is a very 'Glastonbury' place to stay, with lots of magical items.
- For other peaceful retreat houses: Little St Michael's Retreat House, Sambogaya, Seven Sisters, Berachah.
- The George & Pilgrims Hotel is a traditional resting place for pilgrims.
- Middlewick/Paddington Farm & Camping is a bit of a walk out but lovely countryside.
- Otherwise there's AirBnB.
- Gourmet food at the Queen of Cups, or its sister place, Fara.
- Or Rainbow's End Cafe for hearty fare.
FAQ’s
Who can come? Anyone over 18 (or under 18 with parental guidance, bearing in mind the walking distance).
Is this religious? All and no-faiths are equally welcome. We operate a “Bring Your Own Beliefs” policy. We ask that all participating pilgrims respect one another, whatever their beliefs.
Can I come if I can't afford it? We offer a number of free or subsidised places to those in need, on a case-by-case basis, please contact hello@britishpilgrimage.org.
If I'm a school teacher, can I come for free? Yes, we offer free places to teachers, particularly if they are interested in introducing pilgrimage to their students.
Will I be asked to share my feelings with the group? We like to keep things light and breezy, so there will be no group emotional sharing moments. If you want to share your feelings in personal conversation when walking with others that is up to you, but certainly not compulsory.
Are there fitness limitations? Pilgrimage is moderately intense. If you struggle to walk all day, this type of pilgrimage may be an unsuitable activity for you right now. There are always plenty of escape points en route. But we will walk slowly, and start early, and 6 miles is a manageable distance for the majority of people, although it is not nothing. Unfortunately this pilgrimage is not suited for mobility-impaired people or those requiring wheelchair access.
Can I bring my dog? Sadly not - we can’t accommodate dogs on our guided pilgrimages. However, if you have a registered assistance dog, they are welcome.
What does my money go towards? The British Pilgrimage Trust is a charity, and profits raised from this limited space event will enable our team to make it possible for everyone, of all means, to make pilgrimage themselves. We will also distribute some of the ticket price to local organisations from whom we have benefitted along the path. For more details about our charitable activities, please check here.
We hope to see you on the path.
If you would like to make a donation in addition to, or in place of, a ticket, click here.
To hear about our other guided pilgrimage events in the future, please sign up to our e-newsletter.
Date and time
About this event
.svg)
Glastonbury Tor, BA6 8BG
More events
This was my first pilgrimage walk but won't be the last. Dawn was an inspiring guide in so many ways - teaching us, entertaining us and caring for us. It was wonderful to get to know new people as we trod in the footsteps of so many unknown walkers who had gone before us. I had a sense of awe at so many points - for the coastal scenery, the birdlife, the ancient trees and for the buildings that had witnessed so much history. And it was such a lovely surprise to be welcomed with tea in Apuldram Church - so very kind. I am very grateful that I could be part of this day.
Heather
Pilgrim
The Avebury Pilgrimage was a joyful experience. Guy brought wonder and deep connection to the group experience. The other pilgrims were warm, fun and willing to surrender to this rich experience of movement, landscape, the past and the unseen world all around us. Thank you Guy!
Laura
My favourite part was walking in silence and being able to just concentrate on the purpose of my pilgrimage without the noise and baggage of life getting in the way. Abigail was a wonderful guide. She was thoughtful and brought a calm and sense of spiritual purpose to the day. I absolutely loved the walk.
Tamsin
Many good moments but two things stand out: Chalice Well and the impromptu singing of a wassail song on the way up Glastonbury Tor, by an apple orchard. It was cold yet rather lovely to do a pilgrimage in the frost. Informed and engaging guide. Friendly and supportive fellow pilgrims. Such a good ethos.
Susan
I loved walking through the countryside and the fascinating sights such as the church mill and barrow. The lanterns were lovely too and the Wassail singing and cake were a lovely touch. The arrival at Canterbury was spectacular. It was a lovely day and Dawn is a terrific guide.
Sally
Sally
Dawn was absolutely brilliant. Brought the group together and was so knowledgeable . Really warm individual and so caring. Just an amazing experience all round. Can't thank you enough for the experience.
Stuart
Pilgrim
My favourite part was Dawn singing to us by Kits Coty - sublime when the sun came out for us at the end of the song. Dawn has a lovely sincerity and her singing was wonderful. Also the Canon’s pilgrim’s blessing In Winchester Cathedral was an unexpected and perfect end to the day
Alexandra
I enjoyed listening to Guy's singing in the different settings - enhanced the experience and linked us to the past. The whole day was beautifully facilitated with a perfect balance of history overview, time for reflection and walking. It was very special - thank you so much!
Jo
I signed up on a whim without really knowing what I had signed up to, and it turned out to be the most extraordinary, magical day - starting with Guy's singing in the Chapel and culminating at those fabulous springs. The information, songs, chat and group experience were all wonderful. I can't recommend this pilgrimage highly enough - and I also hugely appreciate all the references in the follow up email. Brilliant. Thank you Guy!!
Amanda
Pilgrim
I loved the whole pilgrimage. A day of great connection with people, nature, sacred places, past and present. Also particularly enjoyed Guy's singing which added something special and his commentary. Also the friendliness of fellow pilgrims in the group which was partly enabled by having a buddy and introductory exercise.
Jonathan
Pilgrim
Very grateful for the work that’s being done by all who are mapping the routes and sharing their knowledge. All this while I’m still mobile and can join in with day walks ... I asked for the book for my birthday and it has much in it. The Green King though was more my thing, lower key with lots in nature. I am very keen on sacred water sites (following the work of Veda Austin) so would enjoy more of those if possible. One day walks are really fab. Thank you everyone.
Catherine
Pilgrim
A fabulous enlightening day. The people, places and fascinating insights - I felt very privileged and grateful.
David
Pilgrim
Guy, I just wanted to say thank for your time and knowledge yesterday. It was an amazing afternoon in spite of the weather. I am sitting here today in quiet contemplation with a deep sense of peace bathing my heart in a warm, fuzzy glow. It is an extraordinary feeling. I think you must have been a troubadour in a previous life! With gratitude.
Jessica
Pilgrim
.svg)
What our pilgrims say
.svg)