Steep Holm

Steep Holm lurks on the right, behind Brent Knoll, as seen from Glastonbury Tor

Steep Holm rises 250ft out of the Bristol Channel, a carboniferous outcrop and continuation of the Mendip Hills. It is now a nature reserve run by the Kenneth Alsop Memorial Trust. It is reached by an hour's boat trip from Weston super Mare - visitors are taken to help finance work trips to the island (ring 01934-632307 for information).

A day on this island is special. It feels very isolated, yet it is surrounded by the shores of the Severn Sea - with Exmoor, the Quantocks, the Mendips and the Brecon Beacons as bacdrops. It is rich in flora and fauna, and remarkable fast tidal channels pass close to the island. It is quiet, atmospheric - and one of the succession of islands ancient and medieval seafarers will have passed when sailing to Glastonbury (to be followed by Brean Down, Brent Knoll, Nyland Hill and Panborough Hill before reaching Glastonbury).

It was used by ancient people, the Romans, occasional hermits, Vikings and monks. It hosts no known ancient sites, but it is a natural site par excellence, and well worth a visit.

Steep Holm website