Rock Climbing Alone

[samabell]

I'm wanting to get into moderate rock climbing in the lake district but have no climbing partner locally and because of work patterns could'**** expect some one to drop everything just when it suits me, So is there any lone rock climbers out there who could pass on any advice about climbing alone such as self belaying systems, gear required, suitable climbs where using a top rope system is available, any sort of info. would be appreciated.