DJ Trava

One of my walking holidays was following Leland’s route through South Somerset. This leg of my walk was the third on my itinerary. I’ve made several reservations with many a City Hotel inorder to traverse my walking holiday. My first walking route was The Hogarth’s route in Chelsea, my second walk was the Pilgrims Way, from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. Now, my third walk, Leland’s Trail in Somerset. An historic 28-mile footpath traversing the United Kingdoms finest Scenery.

John Leland was commission and given Carte Blanche’ to all places where historical documents and treasures were kept. He recorded every item, which became his life’s work. He produced five volumes called his ‘Itinerary.’ The Itinerary was not only a list of documents and treasures, but a record of his travels and all the notes of the earliest descriptions of the land of England near the end of the Middle Ages. He took particular notes that might affect the traveller in his day, like rivers and streams. The prosperity of certain towns, the landscapes and the village churches.

As I followed his journey through South Somerset. The trail starts near Brewham at King Alfred’s Tower which marks the spot where Alfred the Great defeated the Danes. Down the road as few yards, was a green and white metal plate which a drawing of Leland’s marking the beginning of the trail. I spotted these markers regularly along the trail. I walked through ancient rights of way, wandered through villages which the Itinerary mentions. I visited churches that have not changed since he made note of them. The booklet which I acquired from the South Somerset District Council was an excellent packet with a good amount of information. They divided Leland’s route into seven stages. They even laminated the cards that have printed on them information directly taken from the Itinerary.  I must admit, this booklet was the best guide compared to my first two walks. Plus, I’m glad I saved this walk for last. It was the best out of the three.

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