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Lauren | Exploring Scotland

@laurens_rambles

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⭐ My digital scrapbook
🐾 Slow adventures with Rufus
🥾 Walks • stays • cafes • places worth visiting
📍Aberdeen + beyond

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"So, what do you actually get out of cold water swimming?”

Someone asked me this recently, and it really made me think.

I went for my first dip in 2024, just after my 30th birthday - completely sceptical about the whole thing and feeling so self-conscious.

But I’m so glad I pushed past those feelings.

Because in those moments, it’s just you and the water. Your mind switches off from the worries and stresses of the day and focuses only on the present.

That first rush of cold is impossible to describe. It’s a wave of energy that leaves me feeling brighter, calmer and ready to take on anything.

And the sleep afterwards? Always incredible 🌊

But perhaps the biggest thing cold water swimming has given me is confidence.

I used to say no to experiences because I worried too much about what other people would think. I was genuinely nervous about people seeing me in a swimsuit.

Now? I don’t even think twice.

There’s no better feeling than stepping outside the box you’ve created for yourself and realising it was never as scary as you imagined.

Cold water swimming has given me a reason to get outside, experience Scotland in a completely different way, immerse myself in nature and truly switch off.

And the best part? Sharing those moments with friends 💙

Will you be giving it a try this summer?

#coldwaterswimming #coldwatertherapy #swimwild #scotlandoutdoors #wildswimminginscotland taken in Aberdeenshire, Scotland by @laurens_rambles

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3 months ago

9 walks in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire we've loved this spring (so far) 🌼

All tested by Rufus, they are easy, scenic and perfect for a weekend wander.

Scroll to find out where we've been exploring and save for some inspiration 🥾🐾

#aberdeenshire #explorescotland #walkscotland
#dogfriendlyscotland #springwalks by @laurens_rambles

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5 months ago

I thought it was time for a little reintroduction ✨️

I can’t believe I’ve had this wee account for two years now! In that time, I’ve had so much fun rambling around Aberdeenshire - from discovering new walks to tracking down the loveliest wild swimming spots 🥾

If you’re looking for scenic places to explore, cosy Scottish staycations, or good coffee recommendations… you’re in the right place.

Thanks for being here - I’m excited to share even more with you all 🫶🏻

#aberdeenshire #scottishoutdoors #scottishstaycation taken in Aberdeenshire, Scotland by @laurens_rambles

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a year ago

We had such a fun weekend away in Newcastle celebrating a very special birthday 🥳

We headed to the theatre, enjoyed some food and drinks and had plenty of laughs.

Our accommodation turned out to be a bit of a disaster 🫠 but we still had a blast.

Rufus is slowly getting over his fear of the giant hedgehog 😅

Lovely morning walks

And plenty of fun outside after a long week of work!

Had to snap the sunset in Newcastle (the only good thing about the apartment ha)

This was hilarious, I loved how nostalgic and fun it was 👵

Yes please!

A quick mirror snap 📸

The Botanist was a beautiful spot for some pre-dinner drinks 🍸

My current read 📚 I've heard such mixed reviews but I'm enjoying it! by @laurens_rambles

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6 days ago

I can't believe we're on week forty... honestly how?!

It was another wholesome kinda week full of reading, walks, coffee trips and a cinema visit.

Pretty perfect if you ask me.

And to kick things off, Old Aberdeen is starting to pop. It's one of the best places to head to in autumn - just look at the Boston ivy!

Ok this is my perfect morning set up 🫶🏻

I will never stop taking snaps of St Machar's Cathedral

Absolutey tore through this book. It was so fun joining in the hype and picking it up on release day

Girl's night to see Sense and Sensibility 🍷

I love old ceilings like these

🍄

An autumnal walk with the boys

Followed by a first visit to @maisoncastanie

For some lovely coffee and provisions

Bribing the pup into staying still so we can drink said coffees.

Thank goodness for Babybell 😅

Not to brag, but I started a second book?! I've struggled so much with reading this year and now I've finally got into thw swing of it again 📚 taken in Aberdeen by @laurens_rambles

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13 days ago

🌼 Wildflower Eco Lodges 🌼

The most perfect night away to celebrate our anniversary last week.

We stayed in The Harrier @wildflowerecolodges, I loved how rustic and cosy it was.

Most of the time was spent out on the porch looking out over the pond, watching the sunset and the harvest moon rise 🌕

But then once it started getting chilly, we went inside to warm up by the woodburning stove.

It was so lovely and peaceful, we didn't put the TV on - we just played cards, listened to the radio and enjoyed the sound of the fire.

I really enjoyed just switching off for an evening and enjoying some time with the boys 💛

Just less than an hour from Aberdeen, I think it's such a special place - one I'm sure we'll be back to!

Scottish escape | Aberdeenshire staycation | Places to stay in Fraserburgh taken in Wildflower Eco Lodges, Aberdeenshire by @laurens_rambles

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15 days ago

This week, we celebrated our anniversary with a wee getaway.

This was actually our first time taking Rufus to a lodge - and it's safe to say he loved it!

What a weekend the three of us had, the lodge was perfect and we managed to go on a couple of decent walks nearby.

I hope you had a lovely weekend too 💛

I love how cosy the nights are starting to feel

There's just something about drinking a dirty chai while it's pouring rain outside that hits the spot

Slowly getting prepped

Startee our weekend adventure with a wee ramble

What a picnic spot 😍

The lodge we stayed in @wildflowerecolodges

Such a pretty sunset spot

I bloody love a woodburner.

Manifesting one for the future 🤞🏻

And what a sunrise!

I managed to finish this chunky book - finally.

First time visiting New Aberdour - and I thought it was gorgeous

Rufus also enjoyed it

Ended the weekend with a wee ice cream at the harbour by @laurens_rambles

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21 days ago

Week thirty eight is coming late, which appears to be a common theme.

But I'm trying my best to find more of a balance and put real life first.

And this weekend spent at home with the boys was just what was needed. We went on plenty walks, got a lot of gardening done and just spent time together.

1. Rufus and I love a @forestfarmdairy trip 🐮

Happy boy outside @thelibertykitchen

Love seeing all the autumnal changes in the garden

Another gym sesh, another big boat

Finally properly getting back into reading after months of barely picking up a book. Nothing like a deadline.

Johnston Gardens is one of the prettiest spots, can't wait to see it dressed up for autumn

Girl dinner @glenhouse_aberdeen

Saturday morning was spent @marshallsfarmshop having fun in the dog fields before shopping

And a quick ice cream stop for the good boy

We treated ourselves to some bevs instead

Saturday was also spent gutting the garden and Doug found an old bird nest. Nature is incredible.

Spot Doug 😅

A wee stomp around the beach before settling in for the night

Sunday morning we headed for Tyrebagger

Gorgeous

After a weekend full of excitement, walks and fun with his people Rufus was absolutely wiped out! taken in Aberdeen, Scotland, UK by @laurens_rambles

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a month ago

What a bloomin wholesome week 37 turned out to be 💛

I was struck down with the lurgy at the beginning of the week which forced me to slow down a bit. I feel like I've been burning the candle at both ends, so rest was the most productive thing I could have done.

Of course, having a pup means you aren't excused from the daily walks so we still managed to get out and about plenty, and the fresh air was so needed.

And thankfully I was well recovered by the weekend for some more birthday celebrations 🥹

I'll be honest, this round-up is so late because I've been enjoying some time off my phone - still managed to snap about 500 pictures of Rufus though.

Getting off the screen and being a bit more present has felt so good. I'm going to try be more strict with my screen time going forward because I hadn't quite realised how much it was effecting me.

Take this as your reminder to stop scrolling and go outside sometimes 🍂

Anyways... the girls took me to paint some wine glasses! It was the best surprise 🌻

I love how they turned out @fandleventsstudio

We took a walk around Banchory Devenick 🌳

I mean, how lucky am I 🎈

I was expecting Edward Cullen to appear on our morning walk

Just a wee pup enjoying the park by himself

Spotted this lil guy at the beach too, I saved him from being swallowed from a certain someone 😅

Said someone, who just wants his toy to be thrown one more time!.

This Sunday lunch was incredible 😍

Love these kind of thoughtful touches @banchorylodge

Another day another beach with the boys

Fast becoming my favourite walk

It's just so pretty! by @laurens_rambles

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a month ago

Summer 2026 ☀️🌊

Having a puppy has definitely made me appreciate all the adventures closer to home - and there were plenty.

From beachy days to forest walks and castles, as well as a few road trips, we really did get around!

I feel like we got to spend so much time outside, even though the weather hasn't been the best 😅

And I managed two camping trips with my pals as well as plenty of decent swims 🏕

A pretty good summer, all things considered 💛 taken in Aberdeenshire, Scotland by @laurens_rambles

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a month ago

You find a tidal pool in Scotland that looks like it belongs somewhere much warmer ☀️

I've always loved the idea of visiting an outdoor swimming pool, so when planning our little East Neuk camping trip we put Pittenweem tidal pool on the list.

And honestly, it did not disappoint.

The pool sits right on the rocky coastline with the sea stretching out behind it. On a sunny day like this, it truly feels as though you're somewhere a bit more tropical.

It also felt safe, welcoming and I loved seeing all the other swimmers just enjoying the peace and being outside enjoying the last of the Scottish summer.

Even better, the carpark is free (for the first couple of hours), and there are plenty changing rooms and facilities.

It was such a memorable experience, and I would love to see the tidal pools in Aberdeenshire back up and running again.

Would you swim here? 🌊

Pittenweem Tidal Pool | East Neuk of Fife | Scottish wild swimming | Fife day trips taken in Pittenweem Pool by @laurens_rambles

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a month ago

The first week of September was full of adventures for me and Ru 🥾🐾

I actually had a four day week, so it was great to spend an extra day out and about together.

Of course, we have had some challenging moments but looking back at these happy snaps reminds me how far we've come along.

Hopefully, this is a sign September will be s good one 🤞🏻

Absolute rocket

I'm sorry but what are these shops on?

Silence of the Lambs was fantastic, it really beat all expectations 🦋

A trip up to Portsoy is always fun

The Portsoy Marble Shop truly is an Aladdin's Cave - I'll be heading back up soon 🤭

Stopped by the old Portsoy outdoor swimming pool for a nose.

How uncredible would swimming somewhere like here be?! A gal can dream eh

After work walkies in our fave spot

Rufus looking fair chuffed with the Dinnie Stones

We also went into @potarch, normally we always sit outside. He was so good 🥹 many more trips are coming!

He got another swim in the Dee too, sadly I was just spectating this time

It wasn't all fun and games on my extra day off... I had so much to clear from the garden, thank goodness for my @feverfewgarden.co gloves

Not a bad reading spot @thelibertykitchen

A stunnin day

A wee celebration

@nevis_the_rottweiler came for a visit, and of course they were so good they got plenty ham 🤣 by @laurens_rambles

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a month ago