Work is continuing on key Glastonbury Town Deal projects which aim to improve access for residents and visitors, both in the town and across the surrounding landscape.
These include the Robert Richards Initiative, named after and dedicated to the first Chair of the Glastonbury Town Deal Board, and the St Brigid’s Chapel and Field project.
Tor Leisure
The first paths of the Robert Richard Initiative were installed at Tor Leisure in 2023 in response to residents attending the Town Deal Open Days and expressing a wish for multi user paths with an all weather surface. The resulting permissive paths have been very well received and are regularly used by walkers – and their dogs – and by people using wheelchairs or mobility aids. Cyclists are also able to use the paths and can take the route from the Millstream estate and the town centre therefore avoiding cycling on the A361 and the A39.
The possibility of a further path from the car park to join the existing paths is being explored, so that everyone can avoid soft ground in the winter months. Any additional path must take into account the boundaries of cricket, rounders and football, all of which are regularly played at Tor Leisure.
St Brigid’s Chapel and Field
The project known in the Town Investment Plan as St Brigid’s Chapel and Field is a partnership between the Friends of Bride’s Mound, Somerset Wildlife Trust and the South West Heritage Trust, with paths installed as another part of the Robert Richard Initiative.
The overall project’s stated intention is to protect, interpret and make accessible the heritage and natural environment of the 33 acres that includes the site of St Brigid’s Chapel with its nationally important archaeological remains, the sacred land of Bride’s Mound and an extensive apple orchard.
Adjoining the orchard is a small piece of land where a roundhouse is being built for the Friends of Bride’s Mound, using eco-friendly construction methods and creating a new permissive entrance from Beckery. As the land previously had planning permission for light industrial units, the Roundhouse construction is a positive change of use and one that will increase access to this important but under-recognised part of Glastonbury.
This summer, new paths have been laid to enhance access to Bride’s Mound and adjacent fields, ahead of planned ecological improvements. An easy-access route now extends through the orchard to the site of St Brigid’s Chapel, carefully following the mound’s natural topography to support inclusive and all-ability access.
At the top of the path, the route encircles a former interpretation board. This board will be re-sited as part of the wider interpretation strategy for the Scheduled Monument.
The scale of the hard standing at the top of the mound has caused considerable concern since its completion. Following feedback, all parties are now working together to remove the stone dust path on the top of Bride’s Mound and restore a more sympathetic surface, one that is in greater harmony with the landscape.
Willow Walk
The Sustrans-created permissive path that leads from the Back River Drove to Middle Drove is being resurfaced, including the bridge over the River Brue. With a lovely view of the Tor, the Willow Walk and Amy’s Picnic Area are highlights of The Glastonbury Way.
The Glastonbury Way
Glastonbury Town Council is looking at opportunities to further improve the infrastructure of The Glastonbury Way, a 7.5mile route which was created using the Town Deal Accelerator Fund. These improvements may form part of the Robert Richard Initiative, in line with its intention of increasing access for more people.
