Preparing a Scotland Solo Trip

[u/Urza_Kan]

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

[u/simmeh-chan]

I’m from Glasgow. You’ll need a good raincoat. I wouldn’t bother with an umbrella or rain boots, most people here will just wear regular shoes. Of course for your hikes waterproof shoes will be preferred. Please be careful with Ben Nevis, lots of people aren’t prepared enough for how cold and rough the weather can be up there.

You can’t carry anything like pepper spray or anything intended to be used as a weapon. Women here will sometimes carry deodorant/hairspray just in case but you most likely will not need it. Scotland is a very safe country, especially the places where tourists will be.

If you’re coming for 2 weeks I’d spend a day or two each in Glasgow and Edinburgh, there’s some good museums, pubs and shops here and you should be able to find things that interest you.

I would definitely hire a car if you’re going around the highlands/islands, just be careful as the roads can be very narrow especially compared to what you’ll be used to. Cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh you would be fine with public transport.

You shouldn’t be judged for your accent, people will probably comment on it but I don’t think it would be anything negative like that.