Careful planning needs to be done about where you are going to stay for the night. This is a popular trip. Although there are many routes, booking is taken up early and not everywhere will have campsites, B&Bs or hotels. The CTC provide tried and tested routes that can be purchased from them.
Camping is obviously the cheapest and has more freedom, but everything will have to be carried.
Youth Hostels are great, but unfortunately, fewer and fewer are available as the YHA's 'modernisation' is closing down quite a few in rural areas to make way for modern facilities in the centre of cities - still, that's progress! There are some independent companies as well though.
Bed and Breakfast is great, and will leave a nice big hole in your wallet. Hotels are for those who have a seemingly limitless budget but you do get a hearty breakfast with both. However, all these are available depending on your needs. It's worth mentioning here that if travelling on your own, most places charge a single supplement, so a travelling companion might be a good idea.
Using a company takes all the orgainising away from you. Some companies give various options for their holidays e.g. camping and B&B, camping only, B&B only etc. etc.. you also know the cost before the holiday begins and can budget for that.
I found that, when you have reached a certain age, you like a nice soft bed after a days riding in the saddle and a good breakfast that you don't have to cook yourself in the morning.