Public being urged to be responsible at Glastonbury Tor this Summer Solstice
People planning to celebrate the Summer Solstice at Glastonbury Tor are being encouraged to play their part in ensuring there’s minimal disruption and damage to the ancient site.
Previous Solstice celebrations have seen irresponsible vehicle parking on Stonedown Lane, blocking access for residents, preventing farmers from tending livestock, and obstructing emergency vehicles.
Glastonbury Multi Agency Group (MAG), which represents the County, District and Town Councils, and Avon and Somerset Police, have been working with the National Trust, and consulting with residents, to find solutions.
A new road layout was introduced in March at the Tor’s north entrance, and a grassy bund and boulders have helped reinforce a clearway along Stonedown Lane. There’s a new bus stop, plus disabled bays for blue badge holders. Ample parking is provided in the town – a simple guide can be accessed and downloaded from here .
You can view and download full details on the Tor bus by visiting here – services run every 30 mins from the town centre.
Camping and fires are also prohibited on Glastonbury Tor and the surrounding area. National Trust Wardens, who look after the Tor, will be patrolling. Police and parking enforcement will be patrolling too during the run-up to the Solstice on Tuesday 21st June. Penalty notices will be issued to those parked illegally, and where necessary, vehicles will be towed away.
Somerset County Council’s Lead Executive Member for Transport and Digital, Cllr Mike Rigby, said: “We don’t want to restrict anybody’s access to the Tor at the north entrance. We know this is a very important place for residents and visitors alike and we really want everyone to have a great Summer Solstice.
“This new layout simply prevents unauthorised parking and an unsustainable build-up of traffic on Stonedown Lane. Since the works were completed in March, Stonedown Lane is quieter, cleaner and safer for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.”
Cllr Rigby added: “For this year’s Solstice we’d like to remind everyone there is plenty of parking in town in close proximity to the Tor entrances and well-marked routes for walkers. There’s also a regular bus service, bicycle bays, and disabled parking at the entrance for blue badge holders.
“We would urge visitors to help look after this special place by respecting the environment, and if they are able, to cycle or take the bus from town to the north entrance.”
James Mcwilliam, Visitor Operations and Experience Manager for the National Trust, said: “We are committed to allowing all visitors to enjoy the Tor and ensuring it can be accessed by everyone.
“However this can be made very difficult by visitors camping overnight, and the littering and damage done to the sensitive landscape.
“This year, we will be taking measures to protect the site from irresponsible behaviour. If everyone acts sensibly, and with consideration to others, we’ll be able to avoid congestion and parking problems and celebrate the Solstice at Glastonbury for decades to come.”
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