Yes a serious drive to anywhere of note for fell running but living not far from Birmingham, I'm also used to a long commute to the fells! I guess that of the main areas for races, South Wales might be easiest to get to for you but Shropshire is also not too bad. When I first started racing, I'd always try and make a long weekend of it. That way you can recce the route beforehand or recce other races while you are there.