Thank you so very much, I am finding this all quite helpful. Have been practicing pitching and repitching (and repitching) the tent, that was a great suggestion; this morning I got to practice in 5 inches of SNOW, so everything from now on should be a cakewalk. As to the weight I will be keeping it down as much as possible (though have not yet resorted to chopping off the handle of my toothbrush, or similar). I will be making my tickets next week, and am aiming to be in St. Bees by August 1st at the latest. I am unaware of Ravenglass, must dig out my map... And although I will camp some to keep the cost down, I did get a current book on hostels, and will probably have a hard time not talking myself into that option more often than planned. As for a mobile phone, forgive the ignorance, but will a phone from here work in England, or would I purchase one there? I would greatly appreciate a transport for my fiddle, the thought of spending 191 miles with it...
I'll sign on again in a week with firm dates, thank you all so much again for your advice and encouragement, it has kept me from giving up the idea as hairbrained many times over :)

-Antonia