I’ll take the high road: Solo travellers flock to Scotland for bucket list adventures
Surge in trips as holiday enthusiasts urge you to go exploring
Organising annual leave and childcare, navigating school term dates, sticking to a budget and then finding and booking your dream destination can make planning a holiday with family and friends nearly impossible.
So it is little wonder that more and more people are giving up altogether and going it alone – and those who are taking the plunge are doing it in the icy waters of Scotland.
According to VisitScotland, searches for solo travel Scotland in the UK have increased by 125% in the past year alone.
Kay Gillespie, who runs the travel blog The Chaotic Scot, is one of a rising number of solo adventurers. To date, she has visited more than 60 Scottish islands and has no plans of stopping soon.
“My whole adult life has been spent taking solo adventures, from my first summer in Ibiza when I was just 18, to backpacking in Eastern Europe in my 20s, and now exploring Scotland through my career as a travel blogger,” said Kay.
“As an only child, I’ve always enjoyed my own company. I feel more in tune with myself and my surroundings when I’m on my own; it’s also when I am most inspired to write. Going solo isn’t always easy, but it’s so rewarding. I always feel an immense sense of freedom and empowerment; travelling on my own terms, without compromise.”
Jackie Gilchrist resigned from her job last April, claimed what she was due of her pension and has spent the last 18 months travelling. She too was bitten by the travel bug in her teens and has since visited more than 150 countries, many of them solo.
Despite all those exotic experiences, Scotland has more than held its own. “Scotland is top for me and that is down to the people and how hospitable they are,” said Jackie. “You can’t stand at a bus stop in Glasgow without having a chat with someone. Scottish people inherently want to help and make sure you have a good time.
“Something I have learnt travelling is what really makes a difference to my holiday is someone helping me out when I need it. I translate that when I am home too, when I am at Haymarket there is always someone standing with a map and I go up and ask if I can help them.”
Both Jackie and Kay agreed Scotland’s public transport system also lends itself well to solo travellers. Kay, who doesn’t drive, relies on it: “Scotland is a safe country with friendly locals, a great public transport network and plenty opportunities for meeting other people, if that’s what you’re after – sometimes I want to socialise and other times I’m very content on my own.
“Nowhere in the world is completely risk-free, so common sense is always required, but overall Scotland is ideal for solo travellers.”
Travelling solo, whether abroad or in Scotland, can often require more forward planning and research than doing so with a group, with things like safety to take into consideration.
Jackie said: “When I am travelling anywhere on my own I don’t take risks. I don’t go to a bar at night and walk back to my hotel at two in the morning drunk. I am an early bird, I get up and make the most of the day. You have to be quite switched on. You have to think safe, maybe spend a little bit more money, stay central and get satnav in the car.”
She also suggested joining tour groups to squeeze the most out of every opportunity. She said: “Rather than driving past a landscape, a guide will fill it in and make it more impactful. I love driving up past Eilean Donan Castle and thinking about the story of the five sisters, but you could easily just drive by and think, ‘That’s a nice mountain’.”
To anyone who wants to travel solo but is nervous, Kay said: “Know that it’s completely normal to feel nervous and self-conscious; I still feel like that sometimes after all these years. You just need to take the plunge and get over the initial nerves. Keep it simple and start with day trips.
“Create a wee plan for the day so that you don’t feel like you’re wandering aimlessly; research walks, eateries and attractions in advance. Always let someone know where you’re going and lastly, just enjoy the freedom and the experience.”
Visit thechaoticscot.com for more tips. Solo travelling in Scotland: visitscotland.com/inspiration/ solo-travel.