Seen this bike and REALLY liked it,

http://www.falconcycles.co.uk/CORP/cb/regent.html

Seriously have to get down to one or 2 of the local shops though and see what they've got for offer, and of course just to get sat on a bike or 2 for measurment purposes and to ask a question or 2 etc.

Thanks for the advice on Panniers over backpacks for that kind of distance. Jsut have to read up other areas of the site now for hte "essential" pieces of kit I should have in a saddle bag like a puncture kit etc.

Thanks for all the help so far.