...and we went several of us to the assizes at Taunton, which began the 16th of the first month 1684/5, in order thereto. I being at my own house in Naylsey, newly come home (as I did sometimes, as I could have liberty to see how things were) had a message sent me the day before the assizes began, to come to Taunton the next day; and accordingly I went away before day, and travelled on foot about thirty miles, resting a little at Bridgewater by the way,and so came to Taunton before night, quite weary, being the hardest day's journey that ever I went on foot, having no horse at command, nor knowing when I should return if I had borrowed one; but when I came there, we were not called or cleared, though we delivered copies of the following paper to the judges...

Despite Whiting's estimate, any route from Nailsea to Taunton is barely less than 40 miles.