The Wedding Mission

I've spent the last few days trying to find a reasonably priced train from London to the midlands as I'm heading there for a friend's wedding, but for some reason they're utterly ludicrously priced. For this reason I'm thinking I might just ride there instead, either staying in a hostel/B&B on the way or sleeping rough in a hedgerow (no tent).

I'd be riding out from Peckham, and would like to take in some scenic stuff, avoiding super busy roads up towards Nottingham. Does anybody have any recommendations on things I should take in on the route?

My weapon of choice will be this newly tarted up Raleigh Royal, pictured here on a Cotswolds jaunt from the weekend, replete with 15 year old panniers.

I planned a route from the edge of London (sometimes I can't be bothered fighting my way through the suburbs) to a small village in Leicestershire that might be of help. I've only ridden the last section of it, so can't say what the rest is actually like.

Leave early.
Do it in a oner.

Yeah I thought about straight-shotting it, but 171 miles is far further than I've ever done in a day. May give it a go though.

@mattioats that could be helpful indeed, thanks for the tip! A bit fucked off I have to leave from South London, as the first bit will likely be the worst!

I went Nottingham- near Cambridge- London a while back, any use?
Incidentally- and I'm not joking, I think you may find it uphill for a lot of it. My memory is how flat it was.

171 miles

This time of the year very much possible; ride your fancy bike to make it quicker

Could well be @eyebrows, was it a good ol' time?

I'd love to but the damn thing is in dire need of some new parts @amey. That said it should be alright for some short mileage if you're out on an evening this next week or so.

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7370920

I also planned a route...

That might be the ticket @eyebrows - looks like there's a decent amount of climbing?

It's pretty flat! The route via cambs is flat as...

Alright, then that'll be the route I take. Can navigate from West Bridgeford pretty easily!

I should make it clear- that route above is untested, I decided to break it and ride further, and stop at a mates just outside Cambridge.
That was a glorious two days of cycling.

@eyebrows Understood, sounds great man. Looking at it, there doesn't seem to be any worrying roads or anything, so should be fine.