Hi there, I'm quite happy doing my own thing in Skyrim for the time being and have every intention of leaving the main-quest for later but I have a question I'm hoping someone can help me with.

I was under the assumption that I could go anywhere and do anything I wanted without causing any main-quest issues or setting it off by accident, but I heard from a friend that going to Whiterun and talking to the Jarl there would either kick off the main-quest and/or random-encounter dragons.
Is this the case? 'cos I don't intend to do the main-quest for a while and would like to go to Whiterun during my adventures for quests and the like, but I'm worried that I'll start things up that I don't want to happen yet. I figured as long as I don't talk to the NPC in Riverwood, that I could do whatever else I wanted without worry.

If however talking to the Jarl in Whiterun kicks off random-encounter dragons, but leaves the main-quest as is - that would be fine by me.

I hope you understand what I'm getting at here and any info, tips or advice are appreciated - thanks.

Talking to the yarl does indeed continue the main quest, however it probably won't change the way you are currently playing the game. The main quest never feel's forced, so you could probably talk to the yarl, even complete the next step or two of the main quest, and then whenever you feel like wandering off to do your own thing you are completely able to.

Talking to the yarl and completing the next two steps afterward will initiate random dragon battles, with the number of dragon's appearing increasing the further you progress along the main quest. Hope this helps

Thanks alot, that really does - I think what I'll do then, is go through the main-quest up 'til the part where Dragons start appearing and then be back on my merry way : ) I think it's about time too, 30-something hours in and level 25 - but exploring is just so much fun!

I've gotten as far as finishing the Bleak Falls Barrow quest but have not yet met Irileth near the Western Watchtower. So far this hasn't triggered any Dragons in my game.