Hundreds of years ago these low, Somerset Levels
were deep under water and, legend has it, that the teenage Jesus came by boat
here with Joseph of Arimathea – an unlikely event that inspired William Blake
to pen ‘Jerusalem’. Alas, at that stage Bridge Farm would have been well
below the depths, so don’t expect to find any heavenly footprints between your
guy ropes. The place does still boast its fair share of ‘green and pleasant’
pastures though, the tiny, one-acre campsite included.
Set amid the wider 600-acres of Bridge
Farm, the simple square campsite is bordered on three sides by hedges, while
the generously sized loos and shower are a short walk away through an adjoining
field. The quiet, flat roads around the farm are perfect for novice cyclists
or, indeed, experienced cyclists who want to take it easy. There’s a National
Byway Loop very close by that uses minor roads to form a circuit taking in
Glastonbury and Wells (turn left out of the farm then left again to join it).
Alternatively, you could make up your own local route, perhaps touring the many
vineyards and cider orchards that strew the area.
To the east, Glastonbury Tor pokes above the hedge top and can
be easily reached via five (almost car-free) miles along the back roads. When
the sun sets behind its simple church tower, it makes for what is undoubtedly one
of the great iconic views of England. It’s also home to the King of the
Fairies, Gwyn ap Nudd, so it’s nice to know that such a regal spot can still be
enjoyed from an unfussy field on a Somerset farm.