In my experience Sidi Dominators are good touring shoes. you will need waterproof overshoes for uk in november. These can be really uncomfortable on your achilles so test ride before you set out.
You should take a lightweight pair of trainers with you too. I know I appreciated mine very much at the end of a long day. And a pair of flip flops. Flimsy as you like. If its wet and you're wild camping and you need to do any wandering around your campsite, looking for firewood, water or whatever, you can use your flip flops and keep your bike shoes and trainers dry. Cable ties are a must. Anything they can't fix can be fixed with electrical tape, at least temporarily, so take a sizeable roll of that too. Weighs hardly anything.
For me, the most important things are a decent sleeping mat, and a good pillow. Alpkit as mentioned earlier in the thread are good for the mat.
For the pillow you can fill a bag with clothes or whatever, but a foam pillow weighs 200g or close, and for me makes a world of difference and means a good nights sleep, which is invaluable.
As you've suggested you will do, use a rack and panniers. At the very least they will keep your kit balanced and low on your bike, and save you from any sweatiness and chafing that would result from using a back pack. Whether you pack light or go fully loaded you will have a better ride with low slung panniers compared to a barbag / saddlebag combo.
It's a gnarley time to tour the uk, but you will have an amazing time. Jealous.
In my experience Sidi Dominators are good touring shoes. you will need waterproof overshoes for uk in november. These can be really uncomfortable on your achilles so test ride before you set out.
You should take a lightweight pair of trainers with you too. I know I appreciated mine very much at the end of a long day. And a pair of flip flops. Flimsy as you like. If its wet and you're wild camping and you need to do any wandering around your campsite, looking for firewood, water or whatever, you can use your flip flops and keep your bike shoes and trainers dry. Cable ties are a must. Anything they can't fix can be fixed with electrical tape, at least temporarily, so take a sizeable roll of that too. Weighs hardly anything.
For me, the most important things are a decent sleeping mat, and a good pillow. Alpkit as mentioned earlier in the thread are good for the mat.
For the pillow you can fill a bag with clothes or whatever, but a foam pillow weighs 200g or close, and for me makes a world of difference and means a good nights sleep, which is invaluable.
As you've suggested you will do, use a rack and panniers. At the very least they will keep your kit balanced and low on your bike, and save you from any sweatiness and chafing that would result from using a back pack. Whether you pack light or go fully loaded you will have a better ride with low slung panniers compared to a barbag / saddlebag combo.
It's a gnarley time to tour the uk, but you will have an amazing time. Jealous.