Thanks for the replies everyone, really appreciate it.
PhaedrusMC - I wear the BMW Rally 2 suit because it keeps me dry and I don't care what I look like. When camping I'll occasionally throw an all-in-one Rukka over the top as well, since that can spend the night outside and I get to start the day dry. Will probably bring it along on this trip too, even though I'm planning to B&B all the way. In terms of scenery I'm expecting the same as here on IoM, just an awful lot more of it.
Hatcho - thanks for the tip! I normally use AirBnB quite a bit, but recommendations from a fellow tosser are always gold, repeat recommendations more so. Ta.
Myke Rocks & Tengiz99 - I take your point about ze Germans, but they've crossed half a continent at great expense, and will probably stop at every photo point and gift shop. I'm nipping across because I fancy a ride, and the ferry to Dublin is less than half price compared to Liverpool. Still, now that you've induced me to do some maths I realise that an average speed of 25 or 30 (I'm thinking West Coast Scotland) still makes 200 miles into a long day, so maybe I'll revise that loop.
Cheers all!