Was there anything wrong with making a VFR join with a cloudbase at LYDD of 1500 feet NO.
Did you do the right thing YES!
The most important guide for any pilot is to only fly within your own and the aircraft limits.
There will come a time when you will not bat an eyelid with a 1500 foot cloudbase at a destination especially one by the sea but that time is not now.
The worst you can do is to fly in conditions you are not comfortable with.
The only caveat I would add to turning back is to be sure that the weather going back is how you left it. There is no point avoiding a 1500 foot cloudbase if you are turning back towards a 1000 foot cloudbase (Yes it does happen)
Use ATC! be clear to them of your experience level and they will always be of help! They are your servant not your master
Pace
Last edited by Pace; 5th Mar 2013 at 16:35.