I learned to fly in the CCF: Kirby Cadet days in 1967. There then followed a flying scholarship and many years in uniform.
To cut a rather long story short, I returned to gliding about 15 yrs ago and have to say that it is one of the most exhilarting forms of flight there is. It is also very demanding if done well.
However, as I recall the club scene in the Uk it need not be expensive in terms of money (time is another matter). Also, you can use a club aircraft or buy or share one of your own. No need to go for the expensive stuff. It's all about 'smiles per mile' and you can have as much fun in a K8 as in a Nimbus 4.