Hey all.
My use of the words "glide clear" may have confused matters -- what I was referring to was being able to glide to the nearest suitable field -- as ATCO Two said, while these aren't exactly plentiful they are there.
(I know it's all my problem, but that doesn't stop me asking for help, does it?)
I've got the plane booked for the afternoon (about three pm) anyways, so that's good news. The traffic thing, well, that can't be helped. What you've been saying is pretty much common sense (don't wander into Controlled Airspace without a clearance
-- although people do do it, I suppose!) I know the area pretty well so the reservoirs are familiar to me, as well as most of that part of the world north of the Thames.
Anything else?
-D