Hi Andy
If I don't go on a planned trip to Rum this weekend ( because of a really crap forecast ) I'll join you for your leg 1 and 2 recce if you don't mind.
The route down the side of Hall's Fell that Geoff describes is one I used to use a few years ago. Since then I've stuck to Doddick which gets me to the A66 in a very comfortable 28 mins. There's a few awkward bits but I've found ways round those as you might expect. However, I'm keen to remind myself of Geoff's route.
As for Clough Head, "HANKS" way sounds a good one which I'll try on Saturday. Are you sure you can't be tempted to the top of Clough Head?
GEOFF... at what altitude are you picking up that NE spur on Clough Head?