starting to go away on my own

Take a look at some of the specialist holidays for solo travellers. I have been on and enjoyed a couple of breaks with One Traveller but other similar organisations exist. You won't stand out for being alone because everybody is travelling alone but the tour managers are skilled at getting people to mix and socialise. I have also travelled alone with Inside Track, a specialist provider of holidays with a vintage railway and transport heritage theme. Usually, there's a mix of couples, groups and singles and having a common interest helps to break the ice and it's easy to make friends.

I toured Scotland in August, alone, before covid. I drove myself from Paris and stayed in Airbnb and hotels. It was beautiful. The roads were not as busy as I thought they would be, pretty easy going, although I wouldn’t recommend Edinburgh from the last week in July, too crowded even before The Fringe.
Last autumn I was in Barcelona and I have just come back from another lone trip, Seville/Cordoba/Granada for a holiday in the sun, which was present but at -1 to 15 degrees.
I rarely holiday with the DDs and GC these days.
Bon voyage.

@Iam60 Thankyou. I like both Pilates and drawing. I guess it’s just Googling and finding out the companies that do them.

@SachaMac Thankyou I think I’d like that

Group holidays, walking or other hobbies like yoga, Pilates, tai chi, painting drawing etc.

I have just been on a coach holiday for the first time, four nights in Scotland, lots of people travelling alone, no single supplement with the company I went with and I got a large double room, no carrying heavy luggage as it is taken up to your room for you. Best of all no driving so a great opportunity to take in all of the wonderful scenery. Definitely worth a try, I will certainly do it again.

Thankyou @Juliet27 will do, went on them years ago and enjoyed

How about a Shearings coach trip just as a start.

Thank you both. Haven’t thought about a group holiday, sounds worth looking at

Have you thought about a group holiday for singles? If you like the outdoors and walking, then a Ramblers holiday could be ok for you. there are different standards for different abilities.
Good luck whatever you decide.

I have been on the same search for a long time. My situation is complicated by poor mobility - can't lift luggage.

I am hoping to go to a cottage in Pembrokeshire in June - I know the route well. I will see how it goes. But it is of course expensive, as intended for two.

And that is the problem with every other holiday I have looked at. Various organised coach/train/river cruise options have huge single supplements; and my health insurance is high.