Some great advice there, much appreciated
I did think about the ferry and it would've been my preferred choice, but dates didn't work sadly.
Just checked out Ainsa, does look good but it's going to take me significantly off my route which then borks travel time to hotels. That said, if I've misjudged it and have more time or if the planned routes I've got are rubbish, it's great to have a back up plan.
The motorways heading south are indeed going to be crap, however I'm so determind to hit the southern tip that it's my only real option. There's a couple of detours which should split the journey up, just need to make sure I've got enough fuel beforehand. Speaking of which, how did you find the availability of the stuff around there? I'm assuming that as long as you stick to the main routes then you'll be able to grab something every hundred miles at least? Any input from any one on this would be great, it's the one thing I'm very unsure of.
Looks like my route takes me right through the Picos anyway, which is an unexpected bonus! I think the second half of the trip will probably be better than the first, which should at least give me something to look forward to when I'm plodding down the toll roads
I'm conscious of the long drive times, and I'm relying very much on good traffic and good weather throughout to see me through, neither of which are guaranteed. When I did LEJOG in one day in '11 I didn't find that I needed to stop and stretch my legs for too long, and whilst I was exhausted in the evening that could've been because of the ridiculously early start. I figure that between 7-8 hours each day on Google maps is going to be 6-7 at the max, which should be fine. I prefer early mornings to late nights though, must be getting old.