I'm starting a distance learning ATPL course in March; and also hourbuilding for the next year or so. So far post PPL I've done the aeros/spins/etc course offered by Ultimate High, a couple of cross-countries on the C-172 (as I trained mostly in the US & needed to do a UK XC or two. I made a point of requesting MATZ/zone transits in particular).
I'm currently working on a taildragger conversion. Before I start the CPL flying course I aim to;
-do a Night & IMC Rating
-convert onto an Arrow, with VP prop & retractable U/C
-during hourbuilding, both hone my flying skills (wiht/without an instructor) & carry out a number of increasingly challenging XC trips,
-multi rating
-full AOPA aeros
It's going to take longer & be more expensive, but I think it's worth it.
Hope this helps (if anyone else wants to offer constructive advice/critisims etc, please do so!)