WK - you would need to ask the 'in theatre' crews what would be the preferred route. I think Bertie has it. The Antrims would not, I think, be a significant problem and the option to route around is there if they are.
A fair bit of 'VFR' around that area, yes.
Would the 'other posters' who decry the way the flight was planned have 'declined the mission' due to the forecast and presence of cloud? A well-received move that would be.