Yep.
A short route with no direct *A connections (e.g. MAN-HAM-TXL) can cost more than a much longer route e.g. LHR-IST or LHR-DME.
*shudders to think* but you should maybe consider Wizz Air direct from Prestwick. The flight times aren't *too* bad (I've seen a lot worse with Ryanair).