8 Best Places For Solo Travellers In Scotland
Scottish folk are very friendly and welcoming and will consider you as part of their community. I am from Scotland and have done extensive research to find places for solo travellers in Scotland.
From personal experience, you will only need to spend one night in a bar, and you will soon be mingling with the locals. Scotland is a great and safe country for those who wish to solo travel, including women and the LGBT+ community.
As with anywhere you go in the world, make sure you apply common sense to stay safe. There are few cases of street harassment and theft.
Also, there is a limited chance of catching an infectious disease. Also, there are many tourist information centres and public services to keep you right.
Solo hiking is safe in Scotland, and you will meet many enthusiastic people on the hills who are always up for a chat. However, make sure you have a map and a good sense of direction to avoid getting lost or hurt.
There are plenty of online groups to meet other people in Scotland. The groups are based on travellers or people living in Scotland.
One of my favourites is The Travel Squad Scotland – where you will always find someone to join you on one of your adventures.
Getting Around
The main cities in Scotland have excellent public transport links that are regular and reliable. Edinburgh has its unique system of trams, Glasgow has a subway, and both cities have trains, buses and taxis to get around the city.
Compared to other countries, train tickets may be more expensive than other methods of transport.
If you are venturing to the islands, Loch Lomond, the Cairngorms or anywhere in between. You will probably want to hire a car to make your journey a lot smoother.
This will give you the freedom to explore many of Scotland’s scenic routes, including Glencoe, North Coast 500, South West 300, Heart 200 or North East 250. However, the further you move away from the main cities, the less reliable and regular public transport becomes.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland. It is filled with charming buildings, and it is rich in history.
There are plenty of old Scottish pubs to meet locals and quirky cafes to enjoy brunch. Also, there are outdoor activities, including hiking the ancient volcano now known as Arthur’s Seat.
Both the old and new towns are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Things to do in Edinburgh include strolling through Princes Gardens, touring Edinburgh Castle, and learning about Greyfriars Bobby, Holyrood Palace and the National Museum of Scotland.
Also, Leith is a great area where high-quality seafood restaurants are popping up everywhere.
During August, Edinburgh hosts the Fringe Festival, one of the world’s biggest and best art festivals. Friendly revellers fill the streets, making the festival very safe and enjoyable.
On Hogmanay, you can head to Edinburgh streets again to enjoy the famous Hogmanay Party. Where fireworks and performances run throughout the night.
Hostels in Edinburgh
Castle Rock Hostel
Located in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle , regularly voted Edinburgh’s top hostel due to daily events and the space to accommodate 300 people.
St Christopher’s Edinburgh Original
Situated opposite Waverley Railway station, right in the heart of the city’s medieval Old Town.
High Street Hostel
Situated in an old historic property, just off the Royal Mile in the city’s Old Town, this hostel offers a laidback, fun atmosphere for travellers of all ages.
CoDE Pod – The coURT
Located in a Victorian A-listed building which was once a prison on the Royal Mile.
Kick Ass Greyfriars
The accommodation has over 250 beds, a bar, a shared lounge, and a terrace opposite the Greyfriar’s Kirkyard.
Royal Mile Backpackers
The perfect base for exploring Edinburgh. Also, it is a friendly and homely hostel.
Glasgow
Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city, and it is one of the friendliest for international travellers. There are many museums in the city to celebrate art and culture.
The most noticeable are the Kelvingrove Art gallery and Museum and the Riverside Museum.
Glasgow is a prime destination for live music, performing artists, and concertgoers. There are many venues across the city.
The venues include the armadillo shaped SECC, the Hydro, the Barrowland Ballroom, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, and The Stand and O2 Academy.
Hostels in Glasgow
Safestay Glasgow
Recently converted from a hotel to a hostel and has 200 beds available.
Euro Hostel Glasgow
Modern Hostel which is just a five-minute walk from Glasgow Central Station, overlooking the River Clyde.
Glasgow Youth Hostel
Located in a Victorian townhouse in Glasgow’s lively West End overlooking beautiful Kelvingrove Park.
Fort William
In Fort William, you can go mountain biking, try archery, go white water rafting or even rock climbing. Skiing or snowboarding down the slopes is a popular option for outdoor enthusiasts during the winter months.
Fort William is nestled at the bottom of the largest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis. The town is a perfect place to stay for a while. Also, it is great to head back to a pub after the hike for a refreshing pint.
From Fort William, it is only a short drive to one of Scotland’s most scenic driving routes. Glencoe is a spectacular lush green valley with huge mountain peaks and blue lochs.
Also, it is where scenes from James Bond Skyfall were set. Also, you are spoilt for choice with Munros in Glencoe, including the Glen Etive Hills and the Mamores.
Driving west from Fort William, you will reach Glenfinnan and Mallaig. Glenfinnan is where you will find the iconic Hogwarts Express crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Also, Mallaig is home to the most beautiful beaches in the country, with pale white sands and crystal clear blue waters.
Hostels in Fort William
Glen Nevis Youth Hostel
Located at the foot of Ben Nevis and revamped in 2017, the perfect place for hillwalkers.
Loch Ossian Youth Hostel
Located on the banks of Loch Ossian, the nearest railway is Corrour (the windswept scene in Trainspotting)
Aite Cruinnichidh
A perfect base for exploring the Highlands, located just 15 miles from Fort William.
Inverness
Inverness is known as the capital of the Highlands. The Highland town is a great place to base yourself for exploring the mountainous highlands, North Coast 500 or Moray.
In Inverness, you can visit Inverness Castle, the stunning St Andrews Cathedral, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, Inverness Botanic Gardens and Leakey’s Bookshop.
The world famous Loch Ness is only a fifteen-minute drive away from Inverness. This deep, freshwater loch is the location of one of Britain’s biggest mysteries.
You can catch up with the ‘Nessie’ hunter, Steve or visit the Loch Ness Centre and Museum to learn more.
Hostels in Inverness
Inverness Student Hotel
A relaxed atmosphere in a cosy building with lots of character. The hostel offers views of the river, city and hills beyond.
Bazpackers Hostel
Located 200 yards from Inverness Castle, in Inverness’s quiet but central location.
Inverness Youth Hostel
Located in a friendly neighbourhood away from the city centre, a 20-minute walk from the railway station. There are car parking and bike facilities, thus a good base for exploring the Highlands.
Black Isle Hostel
Situated in the heart of Inverness, great for a budget solo traveller.
Pitlochry
Pitlochry is a small town located in the heart of Scotland. There is beautiful scenery, rich clan history, fine food and plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors.
Pitlochry is one of my favourite places to go in Perthshire. I always find that the people here are very friendly.
Moreover, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy thrilling adventures. Such as bungee jumping, quad biking, and white water rafting over river rapids.
Popular attractions in this area include Queen’s View, Blair Athol Distillery, Faskally Wood, Killiecrankie Gorge and Black Spout Waterfall.
Also, Pitlochry is a great place to base yourself for Munro Bagging, the Schiehallion and Ben Vrackie are two popular ones in the area.
Pitlochry is one of the best places for solo travellers in Scotland.
Hostels in Pitlochry
Pitlochry Backpackers
In the heart of rural Perthshire, located one minute from the train station.
Pitlochry Youth Hostel
Perfectly located in one of the most beautiful towns in Scotland with spectacular views across the town and surrounding areas.
Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides, totalling 50 miles in length. Also, it is one of the more accessible islands to access due to its close proximity to the mainland.
Skye is a truly magical and inviting place, with the country’s most iconic landscapes located here. I was amazed the first time I arrived to the Isle of Skye.
Portree is the main settlement on the island with plenty of accommodation options, restaurants, cafes, bars, and pubs. There is a selection of hostels and is one of the best places for solo travellers in Scotland.
The Isle of Skye is home to the Cuillin mountain range, which is home to the twelve most impressive Munros. Also, there are great walks available along the Trotternish Ridge.
On the Isle of Skye, you can learn about the rich history varying from Dinosaur Fossils, clan warfare, and the infamous ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’.
Moreover, the Isle of Skye is a haven for wildlife, including seals, whales, dolphins and red deer. The most popular attractions on the Isle of Skye include the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point and the Fairy Pools.
Isle of Skye Hostels
Portree Youth Hostel
Modern accommodation is ideally situated in the main settlement of Skye.
Flora MacDonald Hostel
A small cosy hostel in the isolated Sleat Peninsula.
Portree Independent Hostel
Situated in the prime location of Portree. The hostel building is the former Post Office, and it creates a warm and friendly environment.
The Cowshed
Located in the northwest corner of Skye and looks out over the bay to the ferry terminal.
Aviemore
Aviemore is the activity capital of the Cairngorms National Park. It is a bustling hub for hikers, mountain bikers, climbers and skiers.
In Aviemore, you can enjoy Aviemore Sledge Dog Rally, Glenmore Forest Park, Highland Wildlife Park and the Highland Folk Museum.
Also, Aviemore is a great place to base yourself for visiting many breweries and distilleries. Famous distilleries include Dalwhinnie, Glenlivet, Tomintoul, Royal Lochnagar, Balmenach and Speyside Distillery.
The Cairngorms are home to three of the highest peaks in Britain, and these mountains are Ben Mac Dui, Braeriach and Carn Toul. Also, in Victorian times, the Cairngorms was renamed after the most visited mountain, Cairn Gorm.
Hostels in Aviemore
Aviemore Youth Hostel
Situated on the edge of Aviemore, the perfect place to base yourself for exploring the Cairngorms National Park.
Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel
Former shooting lodge, located seven miles outside of Aviemore. There are spectacular views out towards the Northern Corries.
Old Bridge Inn Bunkhouse
Located on the River Spey, right next to the gastropub Old Bridge Inn.
Oban
Oban is known as the Gateway to the Hebridean Islands and is the unofficial capital of the West Highlands. The small town is a great place to base yourself for exploring the Isles of Iona, Mull and Staffa.
Also, there is so much to do in and around the town. Oban is relatively compact and a lot of things can be explored on foot.
You can spend lots of time exploring castles, villages, gardens, beaches, and forests located around the toot. There are some great independent stores to browse, small galleries, a local distillery and a chocolate shop and museum.
The half-built Rome like structure, McCaig’s Tower on Battery Hill is an excellent photo opportunity.
Also, you can wander along the seafront to the ruined Dunollie Castle. Once all the exploring is done, you can relax in the town’s many pubs, cafes or restaurants.
Hostels in Oban
Oban Backpackers
Perfect place to chill out after a day of travelling. The hostel is located in the heart of Oban, just 10 minutes away from the train, ferry and bus terminals.
Oban Youth Hostel
Located on the seafront and a 9-minute walk from the beach. The hostel is surrounded by stunning countryside and a dramatic coastline.
Tours in Scotland
Mary Meanders
Mary Meanders is a tour operator who specialises in fully customised escorted day tours around central Scotland, near Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The tours are excellent and are based on various themes, including Outlander, Mary Queen of Scots and ancestry. This operator is well suited for solo female travellers.
MacBackpackers
For over 20 years, MacBackpackers is an award-winning Scotland tour operator from Edinburgh for fun-loving, independent travellers.
There are various tours ranging from 3, 5 and 7 days for travellers ages 18-35 years old. Destinations include Loch Ness, Isle of Skye, Oban, Fort William and Inverness.
Free Walking Tours
There are free walking tours in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. In Edinburgh, the tour starts at 154 High Street on the Royal Mile at either 10 am, 11 am or 1 pm.
The tour lasts two hours and is an excellent introduction to Edinburgh for first-timers. Highlights on the tour include Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Mile. Also, you can view St Gile’s Cathedral, Mercat Cross, National Museum of Scotland and the original ‘Hogwarts’.
In Glasgow, there are 2-3 hour tours that focus on architecture and history. The tour goes around the Glasgow Centre or West End.
Destinations include the Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow Cathedral, Merchant City, Glasgow University and the Kelvingrove Park and Museum.
Scot Free Tours runs a free tour in Aberdeen. This tour will introduce Aberdeen’s history and colourful characters, from pirates to Lord Byron.
Also, the tour focuses on the old and mostly demolished parts of Aberdeen, including the most scenic parts of the city centre.
Is Scotland good for a solo traveller?
Scotland is a great safe place for solo travellers. There are hostels all around the country that are perfect to meet people with similar interests.
From relaxing breaks by the lochs or going out in the vibrant cities, there are so many fun opportunities for solo travellers. Hostels are a great way to make friends when solo travelling.
Final Note
Scotland is a great destination for solo travellers. Solo travelling in Scotland gives you the opportunity to see breathtaking scenery.
Also, there is opportunities to learn about historical events which is a lot of fun. There is definitely a feeling of community in the towns and cities listed above. Moreover, people are extremely helpful and welcoming.
Therefore, travelling solo in Scotland, you will never feel alone. Follow this guide for tips on how to safely solo travel.
This guide mentions Glasgow, Edinburgh, Fort William, Oban, Inverness, Isle of Skye and Aviemore as the best place for solo travellers.
There is so much character in these towns and cities, so much atmosphere and the residents are very welcoming.