I fancy going on to clipless, recommendations anyone?

Ed, I also sold hiking/walking boots for nearly 4 years when I was younger along with all that technical clothing I was rambling on about earlier this week.
You are talking out of your arse mate, walking boot construction is so far removed from cycling shoe construction its borderline comedic.

steady on old man, I wasn't even comparing walking boots to cycling shoes, let alone trekking with cycling shoes!

my mere point is that a stiffer shoes does not mean it'll be less comfortable.