Somerset Council has confirmed it is working with partners to remove the stone‑dust path at the top of Bride's Mound and replace it with a more landscape‑sensitive material.

The council stated this move follows community concerns that the hard surfacing at the summit clashes with the spiritual and historic character of the site.

The new surface, laid this summer as part of the St Brigid's Chapel and Field project under the Town Deal, aimed to offer accessible, inclusive access to the 33‑acre site — including the remains of a 5th‑century chapel and the iconic orchard.

Somerset Council emphasised the intention was always to support both mobility needs and protection of archaeology and ecology.

However, several spiritual groups have taken issue with the finish, describing it as "bulldozing holy ground" and accusing project leaders of ignoring the site's sacred legacy.

In a statement, Somerset Council said it remains committed to balancing access with heritage protection, working alongside the Friends of Bride's Mound, Somerset Wildlife Trust and South West Heritage Trust to seek a softer path surface that respects local concerns.

Local advocates have previously welcomed the path for enabling wheelchair users and others with limited mobility to visit the site

Somerset Council has reiterated that the removal and replacement of the summit path is underway, emphasising its broader vision: inclusive access, heritage conservation, ecological enhancement.

This forms part of the wider Robert Richards Initiative, funded through the £23.6 million Glastonbury Town Deal, which also includes new multi‑use routes at Tor Leisure and resurfacing of the Willow Walk in The Glastonbury Way.

The council says the redevelopment — including changes driven by public feedback — represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to open up Glastonbury's historic and natural landscape to more people, while still protecting its character and long-term integrity.