Sorry I can't help with the route, Manchester in England is a bit too far to comment! Sounds like a wonderful trip, as a 'retired' motorcyclist your thread caught my attention and imagination. I've toured Europe on everthing from Honda CB750K1 down to MZ250. Lots of fun! I took my melodeon a couple of times for busking purposes. Very effective. Europeans treat motorcyclists with respect, it made a pleasant change, although the attitude of the British has improved imeasurably. Shame it rains! Good luck, ride safe. John