Hearty Moor

Downs, Moorland in Somerset Mendip

England

Hearty Moor

Stone Down Lane NCN3 Photograph of Stone Down Lane NCN3, taken looking uphill a little way past the turning off from Wick Lane.
The surface of this section of Stone Down Lane is gravel, with potholes and uneven areas, and will be muddy and potholed in wet weather.
The gradient is steep with 10% sections.
The lane becomes a metalled lane shortly before the junction with Basketfield Lane. — Stone Down Lane NCN3 Credit: Kevin Pearson

Hearty Moor is a picturesque and expansive area located in Somerset, England. Spanning across the rolling hills and valleys of the region, it encompasses both downs and moorland landscapes, offering a diverse and captivating scenery.

The downs of Hearty Moor are characterized by their gently sloping hills and lush green meadows. Dotted with grazing sheep and wildflowers, these downs provide a serene and idyllic setting for visitors to enjoy. The meandering paths that traverse through the downs offer ideal opportunities for leisurely walks and hikes, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural surroundings.

In contrast to the downs, the moorland of Hearty Moor boasts a more rugged and wild terrain. Characterized by its heather-covered hills and rocky outcrops, the moorland offers a sense of untamed wilderness. Its sprawling expanse is a haven for various species of birds and other wildlife, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Hearty Moor also features several small streams and brooks that wind their way through the landscape, adding to its charm and providing a source of tranquility. These water bodies create picturesque scenes and offer opportunities for fishing or simply relaxing by the water's edge.

The overall beauty and tranquility of Hearty Moor make it a favored destination for locals and tourists alike. Whether it is for a leisurely stroll, a picnic amidst nature, or a more adventurous hike, Hearty Moor has something to offer for everyone seeking solace and connection with the natural world.

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Hearty Moor Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.155903/-2.6602974 or Grid Reference ST5339. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Stone Down Lane NCN3

Photograph of Stone Down Lane NCN3, taken looking uphill a little way past the turning off from Wick Lane. The surface of this section of Stone Down Lane is gravel, with potholes and uneven areas, and will be muddy and potholed in wet weather. The gradient is steep with 10% sections. The lane becomes a metalled lane shortly before the junction with Basketfield Lane.

Kevin Pearson

A patch of ancient Avalon

There are two ancient oak trees set amongst the fields around Glastonbury Tor. They are Gog and Magog, two trees that are amongst the oldest remaining in the county.

Neil Owen

Ancient avenue of Avalon

These two old oaks are Gog and Magog, surviving examples of the mystic lands of Avalon. That is, they had survived up until very recently in their lives whilst the low-lying land has become taken up with agriculture. Following the custom of leaving a votive offering which had included lit candles and sticks, the nearest tree caught fire and was killed. To protect them a substantial fence has been erected, all perhaps too late though.

Neil Owen

A departed guardian

This is Gog, one of two ancient oak trees that have remained after all that has happened. Along with Magog, they were part of what appears to have been an avenue of trees that are at least a thousand years old. However, most of that line of trees was felled when the land was taken over for farming in 1906. It is believed that soil compaction brought about Gog's death in 2001. Then, with culture around Glastonbury returning to the more druidical, people often left trinkets and votive items here; a lit candle is thought to have caused a fire in 2017, causing the loss of limbs. Although dead, the old oak still proivdes some shelter for various forms of life as well as being a beautiful sight for travellers.

Neil Owen

Wrinkled but living

This is Magog, one of a pair of remaining oak trees from the times when Avalon was in full flourish. Thought to be part of a revered avenue of oaks, Magog is the last to live. Its only partner, Gog is sadly dead now - as of about 2001 - but Magog still produces leaves every year. And like its partner, the tree suffered from fire in 2009 when some worshipper left a lit candle; fortunately it did not succumb but has the scars to show for it.

Neil Owen

History in every branch

Magog is the last survivor of an ancient avenue of oaks whose histories may reach back two thousand years. It is said that the ceremonial avenue was the entry point to the Isle of Avalon and a route to the Tor. However, the lands were converted into a farm in 1906 and most of the trees were felled; one sentinel was measured at 3.5m (11ft) in diameter.

Neil Owen