Quote:
"True it has odditiies like not accepting ICAO airfield codes as waypoints - I find VOR radials/ditances a quick and easy method"
Yes, that is a bit odd, isn't it? If you want a route that goes o/h an ICAO airfield you can't do it (unless it's somewhere like Gamston which has got a VOR). Or use the VOR-bearing-distance method as you say.
If out for a bimble and not setting down anywhere you can decribe a route which may use some of the airways route waypoints as well to create a ficticious 'route' on a 10 or 20 mile corridor which overlaps enough to ensure you can get anywhere within the route 'polygon' formed, as the mood takes you, and be sure you've got all the NOTAMS.