As we got closer to the M25 junction of the M40, it became clear we wouldn’t make it home without recharging the car. We found a nearby rapid charger attached to a petrol station. These aren’t our ideal charging spots, but they’re perfectly functional and usually have basic facilities in the shop. It was a hot day, so I bought some extra water while waiting for the car to charge.

There wasn’t really anywhere appealing to walk Breezy from there unless we fancied a wander around the streets of High Wycombe — which we didn’t, especially on a hot day. So I opened up the OS Maps app, filtered for short circular routes (up to 6k, 4+ star ratings), and found something that sounded both promising and slightly uninviting: a loop called “The Pits.”

Despite the name, it looked like a good option — it circled the water at Spade Oak Nature Reserve, just a ten-minute drive away, and it should help us to miss the worst of the rush hour. Off we went.

The walk followed the Thames Path National Trail for a while, giving Breezy another welcome splash in the river and giving us the cooling sense that always seems to accompany being close to water. A peaceful corner we hadn’t expected to find.

On the Thames Path looking across the water - so blue and enticing

The path eventually looped back around the nature reserve — a large pit left behind by gravel and sand excavation, now filled with water and home to a variety of birds.

Looking across the pit left by gravel and sand excavation now filled with water and host to lots of water based birds

The route brought us out at The Spade Oak pub where we sat and had a bite to eat before finishing our drive home.

The success of the walk — and how much we enjoyed being by the Thames — has given us the idea of using this area for a short break sometime in the future. I always like it when one trip quietly forms the genesis of another.