Glastonbury Tor

Forecast was for fog. Two places to go in thick fog – first is up the Mendip Hills looking towards Glastonbury Tor, second is up Glastonbury Tor looking everywhere else!

Morning Mist – From Glastonbury Tor, Somerset, UK. ID 823_6686

Morning Mist

Today I got up at 5:20 am and headed off to Glastonbury Tor in the dark.  Driving slowly in the thick fog I made it to Glastonbury town ready to climb the 518ft. The start of the climb was pitch black then as I climbed it got brighter.

I was hoping the top of the Tor would be above the clouds.  Walking up the narrow ridge the mist looked like sea washing up against the path.  The atmosphere was wonderful.  Even before sunrise the fog was starting to glow.  Just before the top I emerged into clear skies.

Around half the sky was an incredible ring of gold light.

Occasionally, the fog would clear away exposing the tops of trees then with the wind it would blow back up over the Tor covering it in a thin white blanket.

Morning Mist – From Glastonbury Tor, Somerset, UK. ID 823_6718

As usual I was on my own for some time.  About 10 minutes before sunrise I was joined by another sun seeker.  Several flocks of geese also flew passed on their way to the Somerset Levels.

Morning Mist – From Glastonbury Tor, Somerset, UK. ID 823_6733

Just after 7 am the sun appeared over the horizon.

Morning Mist – From Glastonbury Tor, Somerset, UK. ID 823_6780

Morning Mist – From Glastonbury Tor, Somerset, UK. ID 823_6810

With the sun up the tower glowed in the morning light.  And if by magic another visitor appeared.

Morning Mist – From Glastonbury Tor, Somerset, UK. ID 823_6846

Looking out across the mist was like looking out across the sea.  To the north you could see the tops of the Mendip Hills and the TV mast above Wells.  To the west, east and south there was nothing but mist.

Morning Mist – From Glastonbury Tor, Somerset, UK. ID 823_6847

Only the very top of the hill was above the mist.  It was like looking out of the window during a flight.

Morning Mist – From Glastonbury Tor, Somerset, UK. ID 823_6867

Another small break in the cloud and the trees appeared for a few minutes.

Morning Mist – From Glastonbury Tor, Somerset, UK. ID 823_6711

All too soon I had to make my way down the hill and head off to work.