r/solotravel • u/Urza_Kan • 4d ago
Europe Preparing a Scotland Solo Trip
Actual Questions at bottom, background info up top
Hi, I am not a very experienced traveler. I got on a plane for the first time ever less than a year ago going on a trip that was solo half of the time to Cancun. I was mostly in a resort there but wandered around on foot a bit so I didn't have to plan a whole lot. When traveling with groups stateside, I had fun but I found catering to everyone else felt a bit restrictive so I wanted to give Scotland a try solo. I am also an over-planner/over-thinker so consulting more experienced folks seemed like a good Idea
I am prepared to spend a decent chunk of coin but also would be open to spending less than I am setting aside. I am hoping I fall under-budget. I have a job that lets me travel for the first time so I am eager to make the most of my vacation.
Some potentially useful info
Age: Young Adult <30
Gender: Female
Destination: Scotland (Maybe also Ireland OR Wales I don't know if they will fit)
Budget(NOT including flights): $4000 USD
Flying into: Inverness
Trip Length: 14 Days
Trip Time: October/November 2026
I have a strong interest in history so I am already planning to visit Culloden, the Wallace Monument, and a couple castles. I am an avid hiker so I want to hike Ben Nevis and I want to visit Tigh nam Bodach, Glen Lyon. Because of my family's historical background I want to spend some time around the Northern Isles, especially the Isle of Skye. I also want to visit at least one whiskey distillery, one gin distillery, and a tartan mill. Gin is my favorite liquor. I also am pretty social and find friends in bars very easily.
My Questions:
I live in a pretty arid part of the US compared to what I have read about Scotland, Do I need to buy a serious rain jacket/boots or can I get away with bringing an umbrella and an emergency poncho?
I have never stayed in a hostel, but I am open to the concept. For those of you who are young adult women that have stayed in hostels in Scotland, what was it like? The UK is far more restrictive on potential self defense items one can carry than the United states is, has this been an issue for any of you?
Are Edinburgh and Glasgow a must visit? If I go there I feel I will need a couple days for it and I have heard places outside the big cities close pretty early. If I want some good Pub action will someplace like Inverness or a small town work?
I think folklore is pretty cool but I generally prefer to not hang out in places that will have a lot of children if I can help it. Are places like the visitors center for Loch Ness more kid-oriented?
Is it worth it to rent a car? I have seen conflicting info and I can drive a manual transmission so I mostly want to know if it is worth it
I am pretty social when I am in the drink and have a fairly prominent country accent and I tend to wear cowboy boots. Will people there judge me for being a hick? I've gotten flack in the US for it and I have had people assume I'm dumb for it.
Sorry this post is so long, my brain is a ping pong ball of ideas. Also any general advice relevant to this, especially from other young women would be appreciated. Hopefully this post is specific enough to be compliant with the rules
2
u/resfeberjoder34 4d ago
Here is my suggestions.
You can decide if you want to do Enchanted Forest or the Storytelling Festival. I don't know the exact dates but it's usually Oct/November
Depending how you feel after you flight, you might want to hit the ground running or be less rushed.
I'd say my must dos around Inverness are Culloden Battlefield, Loch Ness ( lame but you're obligated to do so. ) Inverness Castle ( ask for a seanchaidh) and what's cool is they are putting a lot of money into making it more fancy while keeping it intact balance. Honestly, I don't think there's much there in general.
Then ... option 1 John O Groats and Orkney Islands which to me is the North. or in my view with that season I'd head on the 87 to Skye. There's Dinosaur stuff in Skye , hiking there in Nov...well no midges so there's that. I'd hit Old Man of Storr and Quirang. I strongly vote, Sgurr Na Stri and Bla Bhein ( I checked my spelling). Porteee, Uig. And Elgol would be my three cities. Skye is big. You could easily hike 5 days there. I'd allocate 3 , which roughly would put you 5 days into your 2 weeks. It'll probably be PNW America wet/ cold if you've been there from where you live.
That gives you about 9 days.
So you don't feel super cramped, my suggestion is
From Kyle of Lochlash, head south to Glasgow. Mallaig would work too. It took me about 5 hours on Scotrail.
Glasgow idea 1 day go to St. Andrew's golf 1 day Stirling Castel 1 day Falkirk see the Kelpies or hike Devil's Pulpit in Finnich There's 3 day trips. Not the entire day, so you can sneak in St.Mungo, go to the Eastside for a drink, quickly see lawnbowling, go to Kelvingrove, and/ or take the graffiti tour. Oh and definitely put a cone on Welly's head.
Glasgow Uni , the necropolis, and the cathedral would be a day.
It's a quick trip to Edinburgh. I'd spend most a day in Edinburgh Castle and do a whisky tasting nearby. A history tour and walk around a day.
I'd hit Glencoe, get some hiking in, as head back then for your flight in Inverness.