At least you skip through these pretty quickly though. Other lines over the fens are much slower.
The GEML isn't a lot better.
I didn't find much of interest on the secondary lines between Edinburgh and Glasgow (Bathgate and Shotts).
SNCF has tedious country in any direction from Paris.
DB is no better from Berlin.
London at least has the Chilterns and the North Downs nearby, even if the suburbs are dreary.
Via Shotts and Via Bathgate are quite scenic i think .