How was your trip Img?
I've only just decided this week to try this route and have just seen your post and resulting thread, looks like a great collection of suggestions which I'll consider en route. I just hope I get the same weather as Bazman but suspect it's unlikely! I'll be traveling up today to avoid the rain in the South and in Carlisle tonight ready to head North tomorrow, if anyone else fancies tagging along.
Bazzer