Just to maybe get a little perspective here...the very first flight I did alone after getting my PPL(A) was Welshpool-Wrexham-over Snowdonia to Caernarfon. It was a beautiful cloudless late September day, and I don't remember having any problems with the wind; I flew at around 5000 ft above Snowdonia, as far as I remember. I asked for advice in advance, and was told that in the event of engine failure I should head for the valleys; there are lots of these towards the north coast, and the fact that on a clear day you can see most of the coast is a great psychological help (apart from being totally stunning scenery wise). I talked to London Info and then Caernarfon, and had no problems.
However, by the time I came to leave Caernarfon the cloud had increased and I had to go round the north coast.
And, due to wx or work or whatever, I've never managed to repeat the experience.
