suibhne wrote:
Is this normal for a solid fuel range or is it because Ive had to
relight it maybe 4 times in the past 2 months due to not being in the
house ? Ive not managed to conclusively determine whether cleaning it
all really well while its lit and running will keep things clean, or
whether its a natural feature of the range to cover everything in soot
all the time.

Riddle it, and open the flue damper/close the dilution flap
a short time before you re-fuel. This will create a draught
and tend to suck ash into the thing instead of lots flying
out all over your kitchen. When you clean it, do it when
it's alight, but not roaring. Use a second-hand vacuum like
a Vax, connected via a long hose and wire, so that you can
put the vacuum *outside* while you vacuum out the range
(through the circular plug in the hotplate). Don't suck up
hot coals, or your vacuum cleaner may quickly self-destruct.
Be careful carrying ash outside, I'm sure you know this!

These things are a bit messy, but by being fairly careful
you can minimise the fallout.