As above - don't want to spend a lot for a winter project so all options considered !

Would hope to be able to use my existing wheels but something with a thru axle could go in the mix.

Have a look for an older Titus Fireline Evo frame.
Planet X titanium frame. they're 135mm QR rear ends, take a boost fork and make a nice bikepacking bike. Big frame triangle, good angles.

They're also pretty cheap and relatively common.

Thanks for the reply, but don't want to go to titanium for this one.

Hope someone might have something in there big spares box ....Carrera, BTWIN..all options considered!

Look out for a large on one Parkwood maybe, they always go for peanuts, QR dropout. Frame weighs about 1900g and they actually ride really nicely, although short reach by modern standards. I still have my frame but not quite ready to let go of it yet, sorry! Voodoo Bizango frames worth a look and always rated highly, and loads of them around. Just watch out that some of the earlier ones, as they had an odd headset size as far as I remember.

I believe the Titus I mentioned is the same as the Parkwood, just built with a different metal.
Agree that the reach is a little short, but I found going up a size helped.

Many thanks for the suggestions and geometry advice. I will keep looking !