I think for a newly qualified PPL 'hard' is what you're not used to.
This is very true. I think that every pilot after gaining a PPL is sooner or later going to have one of those moments where they're in the air asking themselves "am I doing this right?" or, "Am I supposed to be doing this?". It is no doubt going to be different for each pilot depending on training differences at different schools as well as personal experience.
It's funny that what seems daunting at first often turns out to be completely straight forward once you've done it, and usually leaves you with a big smile on your face.
To the OP: If you get bored of avoiding the petrol station at Popham, why not have a go at avoiding the nuclear power station at Lydd!
I love how NONE of you wealthy individuals ever mention landing fees
Don't know if it still is but I think Lydd used to be the cheapest large tarmac runway to land on in the south. Anyone know if it still is?