i flew the route 2 months back,
After leaving Cranfield it was straight to London for entry to the airways, a brief spell with Manchester, then EGNX. On the return, they are quite quick to get rid of you, but if I remember rightly you were within range of EGTC,and could go for a RIS (Don't forget it all changes after 12th of this month) before returning for a procedural approach
i never used manchester once on any of the 4 times i flew this route so i doubt you will either...
the main issues that can be encountered on this route are the departure (if sent around the 10d arc to wellin) your best route is dct velag so a little planning needed in the air. Also the alt used for return (FL55 usually) along with the rejoin at CIT (tricky direct close to the parallel boundry).
Send me a PM if you want full plogs for this route but i would recomend Cranfield - Birmingham as an easier route!!
Jamie