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@Sammy_Dodger
I joined the Polo crew to cycle through the Alps this Summer; as a relative bike-touring virgin, I was worried about making a lot of bad choices and was also on a tight(ish) budget - as it turned out, all the kit I chose worked out really well.
I opted for a rear rack (Tortec) and panniers (Ortleib) which I didn't feel impeded the handling too badly - though we were only doing moderate distances at low speed.
Tent wise, I aspired to a 1kg tent but as I didn't have £300+ to spare, I opted for a Gelert Solo from Amazon - it cost £29.99 and weighs in at just under a kilo and a half. Though it lacks luxury, it is easy to put up and small enough to carry on the top of the rack with a bungee.
http://www.gelert.com/products/solo_tent
I would +1 Ed's suggestion of a UniQlo down jacket w. a lightweight rain shell (though for the UK in November I guess you'll need something beefier)
It is well worth spending money to ensure that you'll sleep well. I got this sleeping mat:
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/mountain-equipment-helium-3-8-mat-83120064?id_colour=98
It is genuinely comfortable and rolls up nice and small. I splurged a bit on a nice down bag which was absurdly overspecced, even for the high Alps. But if you are going to carry extra bulk, its got to be on bedding. Oh, and take a pillow.
Can't wait to get back out there and put it all to use again...