Been having some more thoughts.
some time in the future i’d like to do cycle touring with panniers etc.
A steel frame bike would be better for that. So thinking of getting a Steel framed MTB like the orange P7 or an On-One Inbred/456. Possibly buy the frame and build up from eBay parts, whichever works out cheaper used prices under £600 total build.
I can use HT as a beginner then eventually buy a full suspension later when needed and keeping the HT for light offroad and cycle touring. If i can make a steel frame bike under 13kg then its good.