Yeah, I got those wet 'n' cold skills
A fred is like a larger version of a Luton Minor. It is a parasol winged monoplane. If it flies like a Luton then it is very docile and benign. Another good cheapy is an Evans VP1 (Volksplane). Again usually VW 1600 powered. There are more expensive VW engined single seaters such as the Taylor Monoplane or Druine Turbulent. These can cost around £6500 though. An Evans, Luton Minor or Fred can be had for around £3 - £4k.
You
can take these little aircraft over distances but it will require more fuel stops and it will take longer. But that is the name of the game. I took a Luton Minor to Calais from Fenland. I refulled at Southend. That's where my cold 'n' wet skills were honed
Bill