Thanks for the help on the posts. We had a great trip (my first visit to Blackpool!). Climbed above the murk around London on the way out, with tops at FL62-FL67 above Brize, then found a hole as they cleared further north and came down to 2500 as MRs PhilD gets bored up there and likes to look at the houses. I planned to stop at Welshpool on the way up, but couldn't raise them on the radio, so routed overhead to be met by...an empty airfield! Anyone know what is going on there?
Fortunately (good planning?) I had already planned the next sector, coast out at Rhyl, descent to 2000' along the coast and direct from Point of Ayr to Blackpool, straight onto left base for 28 and in. Very helpful RT from Liverpool and Blackpool.
On the way back we took the LLR visual to SWB helped by Manc on the RT, then direct Blackbushe at 3500. Met a Grob (I think) in the LLR going in the opposite direction (was that you Spiney?), and a lot of paragliders just to the south.
Good trip.