All done now - think I was pretty tired when I got back yesterday as up since 0300 hrs; anyway some wine and sleep seem to have helped figure it out.
Trick is to use a socket to release the nut on the end of the cable at the actuator end, all a bit of a faff.
Super smooth cable that I've fitted really doesn't seem any better although it is new while the old one was v stretched after 47,000 of in town commuting (lots of clutch changes and slipping).
Have a good weekend