About SideTracked Caches
This cache belongs to the SideTracked series. It is not designed to take you to a magical place with a breathtaking view. It's a distraction for the weary traveller, but anyone else can go and find it too. More information can be found at the SideTracked Website.
About High Wycombe Station
High Wycombe railway station has been serving the town since 1854, when the original Wycombe Railway opened between High Wycombe and Maidenhead. The railway was engineered by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and the first station here was a terminus rather than a through station. It had a single platform beneath a large train shed covering two broad-gauge tracks, with an engine shed, booking office and waiting rooms alongside.
The railway soon grew beyond its original terminus. The line was extended through to Thame in 1862, and a new through station was built in High Wycombe in 1864. The original Brunel-era station then became a goods shed. Remarkably, much of this old building survives today, making it one of only a handful of surviving Great Western Railway train sheds. It was Grade II listed in recognition of its historic importance.
The station took on its present character in the early 20th century. In 1906, the Great Western and Great Central Joint Railway opened through High Wycombe, providing a direct route between London and the railway network to the north. The station was rebuilt with multiple tracks, staggered platforms and a subway - much of the route remains part of today's Chiltern Main Line.
The old railway network around Wycombe was once considerably more extensive than it is today: trains used to run south-east towards Maidenhead and services to Bourne End continued until 1970. The modern station is now operated by Chiltern Railways, with frequent services to London Marylebone as well as trains towards Oxford, Banbury and Birmingham.
High muggle area - watch out!