Leland Trail
The Leland Trail is a footpath in Somerset, England. It was named after the antiquary John Leland, and runs from King Alfred's Tower in Penselwood, southwest to Ham [Hill Country Park] near Yeovil.
History
The path was established by creating rights of way via tracks and lanes. It is named after John Leland, who visited South Somerset during the years 1535–1543. In his role as royal librarian, his journeys and tasks during that period were mapped out for him by King Henry VIII. His job was to reveal to the King all reference to "antiquities" and possessions of the local churches and priories. The exact route taken by Leland over much of South Somerset may never be known but the remaining records of the time form the basis of the trail.Route
Typical all day walks allow the track to be traversed in manageable stages. The route may be broken into seven parts.The walk from Penselwood to Bruton is fairly easy going for and takes about three hours. Then the journey onward to Castle Cary takes a little over two hours to cover the next. The next stage to North Cadbury will add about another two hours to the journey. Queen Camel is a further and takes just over two hours.
The rest of the trail from Queen Camel to Ilchester covers mainly level ground and takes about two hours for a distance of. Montacute is the next "port of call" en route, and the slightly more difficult terrain means well over two hours to complete the next. Reaching Ham Hill, the end of the trail, takes another hour.