Nikon F80 is sturdy and can be had for less than Ł100 and a 28-100mm AF-G lens for Ł80(second hand) which should cover most of your needs. The AF-D lenses are sturdier, but cost more and will probably blow your budget.

You may be able to squeeze in a second hand AF-G 70-300 lens in too, but it is a monster and may not fit into your pack and you may need a tripod to use it properly.

However, I suggest you check your local camera shop(s) and see what second hand bodies and lenses they have. Then you will be able to check the weight and handling issues in the shop. Some dealers will give you a 3-6 month guarantee, so you can try the body and lenses out and if any problems occur, you will be able to exchange the camera.

My brother uses an Olympus OM something and it works fine for him.

Bryan Petersen's Understanding Exposure is useful. Langford is comprehensive, but I found it a bit dry. Try your local library first as they will almost certainly have something and save you a few pounds which you may need to spend on a camera bag.

Most developers will scan negatives onto CD when you order prints for an extra couple of pounds, so you don't have to worry about how to get the pictures onto a computer.