Trundling up the Tor

Ahh, Glastonbury Tor! The moment I saw it flash up on the horizon as we drove in I couldn't wait to visit. It appears every so often at unexpected moments when you walk around the town in a tantalising fashion.

The pinnacle (literally) of the tour culminates in following a long trodden path that ultimately leads to the Tor.

Half way up we paused at one of the Holy Thorns that grow in the area. As you can see it's bedecked with a diverse selection of offerings but we satisfied ourselves with sitting quietly by its side and admiring the view.

Nearly there!

Top of the tower! A truly unique place, the Tor appeared in my dreams every night for a week after visiting.

Tors Tour of the Tor

Day 2 saw us embark on a private tour with the lovely Tor Webster and his dog Sage. I tried not to continually hold things up by taking a multitude of photos, tempting as it was! 

After climbing up Wearyall Hill to admire the Tor from afar and get a sense of perspective we stopped at the dainty and rather tucked away St Margaret's Chapel. Built on ley lines, it has a most tranquil and clean atmosphere.

The ruins of Glastonbury Abbey can only hint at the immense structure that once stood within the grounds. A victim of the reformation, the ruins pictured here represent one third of its original height.

Chalice Well is a special place and provided a unique experience which I am struggling to describe. The 'Red Spring' pictured here has been visited for over 2000 years. It's high iron content creates the colour and flavours the water but more than that it provides inspiration and healing for body and soul.

After paddling in the Healing Pool we drank the water at Lions Head which felt velvety to the touch and tasted a little of blood but not disgustingly so.

Finally, we sat by the Wellhead which was originally uncovered to provide access to the brave souls who plunged into its waters. 

Leaving the tranquility of the gardens we then visited the 'White Spring' on the other side of the road. An altogether different experience, it was once an open waterfall but was enclosed to protect the source from a cholera outbreak. Photographs aren't allowed inside the building and perhaps that's for the best as I can't imagine they could in anyway portray the atmosphere. Dark, energy & intent are a few words that spring to mind - not very helpful I know but you have to visit to know what I mean! 

Stepping back out into the light we embarked on the last leg...

TBC

Somerset Soirée

We have just returned from a great weekend in Somerset. The start of our break began in beautiful Wells, the smallest city in England. We visited Wells Cathedral (c1260) which has a very serene and uplifting atmosphere before exploring the grounds.

The vaulted ceiling, like being inside an enormous whale (I would imagine!)

Wear from thousands of footsteps.

The Chapter House.

Very Gormenghast!

The moat surrounding the Bishops Palace.

To be continued...

I Heart Halloween

Halloween is one of my favourite celebrations - mostly thanks to my mum, who kept us occupied as children during half term by providing materials to make decorations for the excellent party she'd organised.
I always get slightly excited when I feel that sharp change in the air which marks the transition from summer to autumn, but hey, I'm weird like that.
 So, in honour of the seasons turn and upcoming festivities, I have chosen a few images that have caught my eye this month.

Antique Halloween card from 1911

Not sure if this counts as as a purists idea of a Halloween costume but I love it, especially as the little girl actually let someone draw on the ubiquitous eyebrows and moustache!

Lollipops from VintageConfections on Etsy

The False Widow Spider, a non native, it is the Uk's most venomous spider and on the increase. Joy! 

Lovely little hobbitses!

And finally...

Now I know I'm being mean but half of me wants to squeeze this foal until its eyes pop out and the other half thinks he looks a tad, well, creepy! Sorry little fella, I bet you're lovely!

Bradgate Park

Whilst visiting family in Leicester last weekend we spent Sunday morning enjoying the late September sunshine and wandering around Bradgate Park. Threaded with streams and pools we were treated to plenty of views of the resident deer who were fully engaged in the rut, and the clatter of antler meeting antler rang out over the bracken.

It also houses the ruined remains of Lady Jane Greys former home and birthplace.

The grounds of the ruin are absolutely crawling with Belladonna (or Deadly Nightshade if you prefer) and I like to think it is no coincidence that it grows there and was originally nurtured long ago by a spurned maiden who declared revenge on her feckless lover (possibly!)

All that fresh air and history gave us an appetite and we end ended the morning at the tea house, enjoying a coffee and rather scrummy piece of lemon drizzle cake (despite having polished off a cooked breakfast only 2 hours earlier - ahem!) 

RHS Wisley

We cocked a snook (yes, I really did just use that phrase!!) at the inclement weather today and visited The RHS Gardens at Wisley. Probably not the best time of year to enjoy it's diverse planting but hey, we're mavericks like that.

An added bonus was that the Surrey Sculpture Society was exhibiting there and we followed the trail that included original pieces such as 'Saved' by Michelle Castles (above) and 'Tiger Tail' by Christine Close (below) All sculptures were for sale, some unique and some produced as limited runs.

As the weather turned increasingly windy and wet we passed by the ponds before heading to the balmy conditions created in the Glasshouse

Divided into different zones, you can admire anything from cactus to tropical creepers and my favourite plant flowering there at the moment had to be a type of passionflower called 'Passiflora Alata' -an amazing climber with a lemony scent.

'Passiflora Alata'

Once we'd warmed up sufficiently to brave the outdoors, we hoisted the trusty umbrella and headed for home - storm clouds gathering behind us! 

A Little Memento

 My clever sister found this lovely necklace on Etsy and bought it for me so that I had something to wear permanently in memory of Elf. The pendant is a stamping in silver using an antique wax seal and depicts a tiny greyhound sat by an hourglass which symbolises faithfulness and steadfastness. 

It means so much, thanks Little Sis.

If you are interested in this item (shop contains many other designs) click HERE