Where can I go in Scotland?

[FuckingNoise]

I will be a solo female. I want somewhere with lakes, mountains, good walking routes and out of the way... but I want to feel safe so not totally isolated. Couple of pubs maybe, either a hotel or a cabin but I imagine cabins would be stupid money. Just an outdoors / walking break for a few days... Highlands?? I'd rather train it than drive.

Aviemore is a good base, on the main trainline from Glasgow/Edinburgh to Inverness. Lots of mountains and lochs, guided walks and trips if you want, good food, accommodation of all types. Around Rothiemurchus is lovely.

Everywhere in the Highlands is very safe but public transport can be patchy. Avoid Scottish school holidays (start July to mid August), September is lovely and less midges.

Check out The Chaotic Scot on Facebook or Instagram, she is a travel blogger and usually travels solo and by public transport. She offers a bespoke travel service too if you want it.

Isle of Mull: mountains, beaches, wildlife, castles, quieter than skye but nicer in my opinion. Train to Oban and then ferry across.

I’d second Aviemore - so much to do in a relatively small area. Easy to get to by train or bus. There’s a youth hostel either in Aviemore or up at Glenmore beside Loch Morlich. There are self catering pods at Badaguish or maybe solo accommodation at Glenmore Lodge too.

Mull is probably my favourite island (maybe!) but wouldn’t rely on public transport to get around.

You’re spoilt for choice really, OP. Lots of solo travellers in Scotland. Anywhere on the West Highland Line would be good - could even do a few stops and do Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Fort William, Arisaig, Mallaig.

Or do the Lochalsh line and stop off at Beauly, Plockton and then take the bus over to Skye.

aviemore has quite a busy vibe though (around town) and you have the public transport issue for getting to the quieter bits (although there are regular buses up to the ski area which go through some lovely spots). Taking or hiring a bike gives you a lot more flexibility.
Ardnamurchan has buses that link up with the trains and buses to Fort William, DS1 succesfulky used them to go home early from a family holiday (that's a whole other story 🙄

Ooo I'm liking Aviemore

Trossachs are accessible, loads of great walks and climbs, good accommodation options.

Get a train from Glasgow to Oban. Gateway to the Isles! Lots of forest walks and there's a cycle/walking track which starts just after Connel Bridge and I think it goes to Fort William now. Just the right level of pubs etc and countryside. Then you can take ferry from Oban to various islands as well. Particularly recommend Beinn Lora walk in Benderloch and Sutherland's Grove in Barcaldine.

I'm actually now back tracking and thinking... Snowdonia!

Snowdonia is a great often overlooked place many very nice places just outside the national park so usually a little cheaper and possibly better weather.
The other great thing is nothing is too far away, its compact but different, some great beaches too.
www.donthibernate.co.uk/conwy/
www.donthibernate.co.uk/betws-y-coed/
www.donthibernate.co.uk/beddgelert/
www.donthibernate.co.uk/waterfalls-of-north-wales/

Arran the scottish island should fit your idea www.donthibernate.co.uk/summer-trip-to-the-west-coast-of-scotland/

We went to Aviemore last year and it's a DREAM!
There's lots of walking from the town centre, including a great short hike up through Craigellachie Nature Reserve. There's also an incredible and beautiful cycle network where you could hire a bike and go for a short jaunt - or something more serious.
The Rothimurcus estate covers much of the land surrounding Aviemore and has beautiful walking in it, plus lots of organised activities in it.
There's also lots of eateries and bars where you would feel very comfortable on your own.
Can you tell I'm obsessed by Aviemore!

Another vote for Aviemore. It's a great base - there's lots of accommodation options and a good choice of places to eat.

There are some lovely walks you can do from the town, and also several that you can get to using local buses.

The Rothiemurcus forest is lovely - you can get a bus out towards the Cairngorm ski centre and either do a loop (including Loch Morlich) or walk back to Aviemore.

Loch an Eilean is beautiful - you can walk there from Aviemore or get the ski centre bus just a couple of stops.

The Speyside Way is nice - take a bus over to Nethy Bridge and walk back, or the train to Boat of Garten.

Another suggestion is Braemar. It doesn't have a station so you'd have to get the train elsewhere and then a bus, but it is really lovely, again with loads of walking options. It's smaller than Aviemore but big enough to have all that you need.

@madaboutrunning i was going to say Braemar too as we often go there for walking/cycling trips. ( We’re going this weekend! )

So much to do right from the doorstep and enough shops/cafes for food etc. although, it’s got noticeably swankier since the Fife Arms took over.

There’s wee cabins on the campsite or beside Braemar Mountain sports, couple of hostels and plenty of b&bs.

it is not as easy to get to, it’s about 2hrs (?) by bus from Aberdeen but it’s a very scenic journey.

can i vote for Aviemore too?

And another for Aviemore.
The High Range Motel complex has lovely self catering cabins for 2 at reasonable prices, just a short walk from the station and opposite the mountain road.
Food shops, restaurants, transport all within a few minutes. Opportunities to arrange activities/trips very easily if that's your thing.
I like to just chill and sit by Loch Morlich.

Pitlochry? Arrochar?

Definitely Arrochar. About an hour from Glasgow by train, Arrochar Alps and Cobbler lovely mountains that don't feel dangerous or scary. You can take the ferry to Ben Lomond and climb it in time for the ferry back. Lovely guesthouses.

Oh and loch swimming and nice food and so much quieter than Aviemore.

We did Aviemore last July and I hated how crowded it felt.

I don't think Snowdonia is overlooked. I live near the main road in & it's often packed to the gills. There are vans parked up everywhere nowadays.

I thought Scottish school holidays start mid-June.

Pitlochry. On the trainline and a great base for walking, but plenty in the town too. Or the East Neuk of Fife. Stunning coastline and amazing fishing villages.

I'd go Callander rather than Aviemore. It's a lovely little town - I find Aviemore a bit unappealing looking- and if your budget stretched to it the Forest holiday cabins outside the main centre ( but within cycling distance) are gorgeous ( but silly money these days).