The best running trails around Foxcote Reservoir

If you find yourself passing 10-12 on a Wednesday morning, pop in and you will be treated to homemade cakes and tea/coffee.

Lying in a rolling Buckinghamshire landscape of arable fields, pasture and woodland, Foxcote Reservoir is the kind of place that rewards patient visitors. Created in 1956 by damming a small tributary of the River Great Ouse, this site has become important for the numbers of wintering waterfowl, especially wigeon and coot. https://www.bbowt.org.uk/nature-reserves/foxcote-reservoir

Enjoyable stretch of jogging along the beautiful River Great Ouse that runs through Buckingham.

Meander along paved paths through the pretty Bourton Park. The park is home to a diverse eco-system featuring kingfishers, frogs, and otters.

An unusal tree/hedge formation on the edge of town. It always feels like you're being waved on your way (which is nice) or being waved back home (which is even nicer)!

"The square W tower of Wicken church was erected by Robert, Lord Spencer in 1617, but the remainder of the medieval building was taken down in 1753, after it was found to be unsafe. The cost of rebuilding was met by Thomas Prowse, described as the designer of the church on a tablet in the N aisle. It was completed by 1770, and comprises a nave with aisles of equal height, N and S transepts and a square chancel. The church was restored in 1838, and again by Matthew Holding in 1896-97. In the latter restoration the chancel was lengthened to the E, the S transept was added, and a boiler-room built at the W end of the N aisle. The 12thc. font may be the sole relic of an earlier structure on the site." Cit. https://www.crsbi.ac.uk/view-item?i=8140

"The present church was entirely rebuilt about 1450, its refoundation being traditionally ascribed to the munificence of the two maiden daughters of the last Thomas Pever, who died in 1429. The only remains from the former church are the late 12thcentury font and some 12th-century moulded stones, re-used in the rear arches of the windows of the north porch. As might be expected in the case of a building erected at a single period, the whole work is carried out in a most complete and elaborate manner, and may challenge comparison with any existing examples of contemporary date in the country. The vestry, porches, and ground stage of the tower are fan-vaulted, and the design of the tower itself is especially remarkable for the boldness and originality displayed in the design of the two upper stages. The walling throughout is of limestone rubble, the south wall of the chancel and the walls of the original vestry being covered with rough-cast. The building was restored in 1882–7, when the vestry was enlarged by the westward extension, which touches the south-east angle of the nave." Cit. https://www.northbuckinghamparish.org.uk/welcome/st-edmunds-maids-moreton-/

The market town of Buckingham makes for a relaxing stop after a day walking in the countryside. As is typical of a market town, it is adorned by many pubs, restaurants and great places to stay. It was the county town of Buckinghamshire from the 10th century until the early 18th century, when Aylesbury took on the mantle. A disastrous fire around this time meant that much of its centre had to be rebuilt. However, the town recovered well and still holds on to its traditional charm.