Glastonbury Tor / Sunset

Chasing a Sunset

by Jeff Bevan · Published 18th January 2023 · Updated 28th January 2023

Sunset over Glastonbury Tor – From the Ridge Road between Wells and Shepton Mallet, Somerset, UK. ID JB_6654

At this time of year, when viewed from the Ridge Road between Wells and Shepton Mallet, the sun sets behind Glastonbury Tor. However, even with an app that tracks the angle of the sun, picking the best day is tricky.

Day One

On my first attempt I set my tripod at the turning to Dungeon Farm and waited for the sun to perform. The weather was perfect. There was little chance the sun would be hidden behind a bank of cloud.

Sunset over Glastonbury Tor – From above Dungeon Farm, Nr Shepton Mallet, Somerset, UK. ID JB_6618H

The sun did not set directly behind the sun instead it floated over the top.

Sunset over Glastonbury Tor – From above Dungeon Farm, Nr Shepton Mallet, Somerset, UK. ID JB_6720

The sun travelled over to the right. By now a few clouds had appeared, providing some interest to the blank sky – nice.

Sunset over Glastonbury Tor – From above Dungeon Farm, Nr Shepton Mallet, Somerset, UK. ID JB_6795

I could not resist turning the camera to photograph the cross on the top of Worminster Sleight.

Worminster Sleight – From Paradise Hill, Croscombe, Somerset, UK. ID JB_6762

Day Two

My aim was to go further east and move the position of the setting sun to behind the tor. I tried the footpath that drops down to Dungeon Farm but my phone app suggested this was not far enough. There was also some annoying telegraph wires spoiling the view.

So I moved across to footpath at Mill Lane. While flocks of seagulls slowly flew back for the night, I waited for the sun.

Sunset over Glastonbury Tor – From above West Compton, Nr Shepton Mallet, Somerset, UK. ID JB_7632

Initially things seemed hopeful, but I soon realised the sun was going to set to the left.

Sunset over Glastonbury Tor – From above West Compton, Nr Shepton Mallet, Somerset, UK. ID JB_7677

However, it was a lovely location to watch a sunset, and I was pleased with my picture.

Sunset over Glastonbury Tor – From above West Compton, Nr Shepton Mallet, Somerset, UK. ID JB_7740H

If the weather is kind in a few days then I could give this another try. Then the sun should drop further to the right. Update – sadly the clouds returned.