What MTB would you recommend for touring Britain?

I don't want to go all out and buy an LHT or anything. I'd prefer something I could pick up on the cheap in the UK for about $1,000 (�650-ish) or under. I've only got a road bike right now so I'm a bit of a noob so to speak at MTB's. I considered buying another road before I realised "what the hell am I going to do with 2 road bikes" ??!! Sort of a blonde moment.. So what can you recommend? It will be light touring, no camping equipment or anything ridiculous. I'll only have clothes, bike tools, my laptop and a credit card, those sort of things.