How hard is it? Not that hard:
2 day course
video
Do they go places?
Yes Have a look at some flights from last summer, sort by distance.
As BackPacker says, it's a sport, not a means of transport. Some people get it, some people don't.
The biggest problem with Kenley is that it's surrounded by airspace and sits under a 2,500 ceiling. Larger clubs usually have more training options & better aircraft for post solo flying.
Soaring involves waiting for the right weather & then flying one long flight.