IJABR: Sept'14 I rode the full Trans-Pennine Trail, 215miles, Southport - Hornsea, which is predominantly off road from Southport to Thorne, then does a bit of road (as used in the Spurn Head 400) to Hull, then off-piste again. Doable on 28c tyres (though I'd do it again on a hardtail MTB for the coarse gritty sections east of Hull which played havoc with the hands on day 3). There was a stunning bit of singletrack in the middle of the Pennines which was interesting with panniers and "skinny" tyres, particularly when trying to keep tabs with my MTB riding partner.
With pubs, a thai kitchen cafe, farm shops and the odd village, there would be plenty opportunity for controls/feeds. Could have the basis of a great ride, particularly with the North-South link sections on the eastern flanks of the Pennines which link towards Leeds and Sheffield. It would need a bit of planning methinks (but I'm not volunteering - only throwing the suggestion to the winds of chance).