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You do not mention wild camping in your original post but I presume on the budget you mentioned you would have to. I agree with dgardner about getting fit and putting in some practise with your kit and seeing how far you can cycle loaded up with your gear or walking with loaded rucksack if thats what you choose.

I automaticly thought you would be reasonably fit when you thought about doing something like this.maybe you are so don't offence.

Its certainly not to be taken lightly but I would not discourage you from doing it but common sense and a certain amount of planning is a must.

If you choose wild camping the best piece of advice I would give is to arrive late and leave early and leave as you find....Good luck

From my own experience in days gone buy I preferred a tent every time. If you run out of cash you still have somewhere to sleep, obviously wild camping. The problem is weight..you are more fortunate today with regards to lightweight materials.

You tent can weight sub 2 kg, sleeping bag similar weight but at a cost. You then have cooking equip and all the other essential gear plus clothing etc but it is still alot to carry.

On the other hand if you go down the hostel route you can carry less but at a cost finacially. That is the reason I did odd jobs when I backpacked Europe. purely to boost my funds and I was wild camping most nights, roughly 4-5 nights out of 7. I had a great time and didn't mind doing the odd jobs as it was a means to an end.. I also mixed with the locals through working and made freinds and some times got invited to there homes for dinner etc..saving on funds again...lol