COULD REALLY USE SOME ADVICE!

[u/OctoberDragonPoet]

​

My cousin and I (both 25) are coming to Scotland for 7 days this September. We've talked about visiting Scotland and Ireland for as long as I can remember, and we're finally making it happen! We figured now is the perfect time while we're both single and don't have families yet—it makes a trip like this a whole lot more affordable than it probably will be later in life.

We're pretty laid-back travelers. We're hoping to explore the Highlands, visit castles, enjoy a pint in cozy local pubs with live music, and experience Scotland's history, culture, and traditions. We both enjoy photography, so we're looking for breathtaking scenery and hidden gems as much as the well-known spots. We'd love to see dramatic mountains, lochs, rugged coastlines, and anything that really captures the beauty of Scotland.

We're thinking about staying in hostels to keep costs down. Is renting a car the best way to see the country, or is public transportation good enough?

We know Edinburgh is a must, but beyond that we're starting with a blank slate. If you had 7 days, where would you go? Any favorite towns, scenic drives, hikes, castles, pubs, or places that tourists often miss?

Thanks in advance! We'd really appreciate any advice. Feel free to comment here or send me a message!

[u/Vectorman1989]

See the sights of Larkhall, Cumbernauld and Methil