I really enjoyed getting the night rating - stupendous views on a bright moonlit night, and wonderfully smooth air. I also managed to disappear into a cloud on the night cross country - quite a shock to see the milky reflection of the strives which 'freeze' the propeller. Even though I was fully prepared with IFR GPS, plates and an instrument rated instructor, the recovery & ILS was tough work. Without the IMCR I could not have pulled it off. So really don't even consider a night cross country in Northern Europe without IFR skills. My main motivation was to be able to obtain a Part 6.75 FAA cert without a day only endorsement, but I do use it in the UK to get home without the stress of making it before SS+30.