From Boardroom to Mountainside: Why Outdoor Coaching Works

Looking back

Last week, I found myself gripping the edge of Crib Goch, a jagged, knife-like ridge in Snowdonia, with the wind blowing  hard against me. My heart was pounding, but oddly, my mind was calm.

In that moment  high above emails, meetings, and endless notifications, there was nothing but rock, breath, and sky. No distractions. No mental clutter. Just space.

And it reminded me of what I’ve always known deep down: some of our best thinking doesn’t happen in the boardroom. It happens out here.

As a coach, I’ve long been fascinated by how environment shapes insight. We’re conditioned to associate growth and decision-making with offices, whiteboards, and strategy decks. But what if real breakthroughs come not from sitting still, but from moving forward, quite literally,  through a landscape that challenges us to see and think differently?

Why Outdoor Coaching Works

Outdoor coaching isn’t just about being outside, it’s about being intentional with the space.

Whether it’s a quiet city park, a woodland trail, or a mountain ridge, the key is using nature as a co-partner in the coaching process. It creates room, mentally, physically, and emotionally: for reflection, movement, and perspective. And that shift, however subtle or dramatic, can lead to powerful insights.

Here’s why it works:

• Movement sparks clarity: Walking side by side reduces pressure, encourages natural flow, and activates different parts of the brain.

• Nature restores balance: Research shows that time in green or wild spaces reduces stress, improves focus, and supports creative problem-solving.

• Perspective shifts: literally, stepping outside the walls of an office helps people step outside the walls of old thinking.

• It’s less formal, but more profound: Many clients find it easier to open up in nature, away from the usual structures and expectations.

Real-World Uses for Outdoor Coaching

Outdoor coaching is especially powerful during periods of transition both professional and personal. I’ve worked with clients navigating career crossroads, leaders stepping into new roles, and individuals seeking to reconnect with what truly matters.

Some find clarity on a wooded trail. Others unlock creativity during a coastal walk. The environment itself often mirrors the client’s journey – uneven paths, moments of stillness, changing weather, all offer metaphors that help people connect more deeply with their inner dialogue.

Leadership coaching, in particular, benefits from this setting. Being outside strips away titles, office dynamics, and the ‘performance’ of professional roles. What’s left is space to think strategically, reflect honestly, and connect with purpose.

Team development can also take on a new shape outdoors. Whether it’s walking one-to-one with team members, or using nature as the backdrop for small group coaching, the informality encourages open conversation and fresh thinking.

Common Barriers & Myths

It’s true! I live in the UK, and the weather doesn’t always play nice. But the idea that outdoor coaching is only for sunny days is one of the biggest myths. With the right gear (and mindset), a light drizzle can be invigorating. In fact, some of the most transformative conversations happen in less-than-perfect conditions, there’s something grounding about being a bit windswept.

Some assume that coaching belongs in boardrooms or behind desks, that stepping outside somehow makes it less focused. In truth, outdoor coaching holds just as much structure and intentionality. The difference lies in the quality of attention it invites, being in nature often fosters deeper presence, sharper listening, and more spacious thinking for both coach and client.

Accessibility is also an important consideration. Outdoor coaching doesn’t have to mean hiking up ridges, it can be as simple as a gentle walk in a local park or even sitting on a bench by a river. The key is matching the space to the client’s needs and comfort.

What I’ve Taken from the Mountainside

Climbing Crib Goch reminded me of what coaching can be when we give it space. It’s not always about pushing through the noise or finding quick answers. Sometimes it’s about pausing, breathing, noticing – and then choosing your next step with intention.

Outdoor coaching offers a way to do just that. It invites people out of their heads and into their bodies, into the present moment, and into a different kind of thinking. For me, it’s become a powerful way to help clients find clarity, shift perspective, and reconnect with what matters most.

An Invitation

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a meeting room or Zoom call, or if you’re looking for a different kind of space to think, perhaps it’s time to step outside.

I’d love to hear from others who coach outdoors, or who’ve had a powerful breakthrough in nature. What changed for you when you took the conversation beyond four walls?