Skip to content
It's time for our pre-winter promotion! Use code EARLYBIRDWINTER25 for 15% off Winter Mountain Days and Courses. Click here to see more!

Corporate Adventures

surfing and yoga retreats near me east lothian scotland

Beyond team building: corporate experiences in the wild

Wild places, new perspectives 

At Ocean Vertical we do more than team building. We take teams out of meeting rooms and into the wild. Think less flipcharts and more firepits, less icebreakers and more icy plunges. 

Our expert guides lead unforgettable experiences in Scotland’s wild places, from paddleboarding on a serene loch to jumping into the north sea, from woodland axe throwing to thoughtful mindfulness workshops. Each adventure is designed to challenge, bond and inspire. 

Keeping it sustainable and local 

We keep our adventures close to home. Most of our experiences happen within a few miles of our base at Hedderwick-Hill Stables, Dunbar, reducing travel and deepening our connection to place.

We partner with local suppliers and producers to create memorable food experiences – from fireside BBQs to local foodtrucks – making sure that every adventure ends with a sense of community and celebration. 

Hire our Base

Looking for a private space that blends comfort and adventure? Our coastal HQ in Dunbar offers the perfect setting. Combine an inspiring meeting space with breakout sessions in nature just minutes away. Whether it’s strategy planning followed by paddleboarding, or workshops paired with woodland axe-throwing, our base gives you the flexibility to mix business and the outdoors.

LOCKSTOCKSTUDIOS BEWILDCOACHING 1
LOCKSTOCKSTUDIOS BEWILDCOACHING 105 (1)

The transformative power of nature is proven 

Spending time in nature doesn’t just make people feel good – it actually changes the way teams connect and perform. Research shows that the natural world reduces stress, improves focus and increases resilience. But beyond the science, it’s about what happens when you take people out of the everyday and immerse them in something bigger. 

In the wild, hierarchies fade away and conversations flow differently when you’re hiking side by side instead of sitting across a boardroom table. Not just that, achievements feel more meaningful when they’re shared: reaching a summit, plunging into cold water or navigating a new challenge together. These moments create trust, empathy and a sense of shared accomplishment that lasts long after you’ve returned to the office. 

Nature brings perspective. It strips away distractions, clears heads and allows space for creativity. For companies, that can mean sparking fresh ideas, building stronger bonds and nurturing resilience in ways no workshop or off-site can match. 

Request our corporate brochure below and begin planning your bespoke team day.

What people say

We wanted to give the Scottish women’s rugby players a chance to reset and have fun away from the pressures of training for the World Cup, and Ocean Vertical were perfect for this. The team had a brilliant time doing the activities, and are looking forward to visiting again in future.

Ellen Dickson - Team Manager | Scottish Women’s Rugby

“We had an incredible summer away day for 45 of our employees at Ocean Vertical. It was a brilliant venue to hold our annual company update, followed by superb adventure activities, food and drinks. We loved it so much that we are returning for another year!”

Dr James Mcilroy – CEO | EnteroBiotix

Mollie and the Ocean Vertical team provided the warmest of welcomes to their homely Dunbar base, and were brilliant, expert hosts throughout our team strategy day. I would happily recommend them to anyone needing some quiet space to think and occasionally test the talents and the limits of themselves and their people. The food and drink were absolutely brilliant too, and that wood burner is the biggest I’ve ever seen.

Malcolm- Founding Partner | Charlotte Street Partners

Our team have never been on this kind of away day before and were blown away by the experience. The venue for the evening was perfect – beautiful courtyard with blazing fires, toasted Marshmallows and the most delicious food. A really special experience and one we’ll all remember for a long time to come.

It’s the best thing we’ve done for team morale in 13 years of running the business.

Eleanor - Owner | Edinburgh Larder

Our team of 20 had a fantastic corporate activity day at Ocean Vertical! The selection of activities offered to the team suited both the thrill seekers and those in need of some R&R. Staff were amazing, the location was stunning in East Lothian, and the food, BBQ and drinks in the evening were just fantastic. A good time was had by all – Thank you Ocean Vertical!

Kelly - Office Manager | 10 Design

A huge thank you to Ocean Vertical for hosting the Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd summer party! The food was superb, and the team put on a fantastic event from start to finish. Everyone had a wonderful time — we couldn’t have asked for a better day!

Corinna - Office Manager | Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd

OV recently hosted a corporate away day for over 45 of our employees. We enjoyed a mixture of yoga; archery & axe throwing; and a coastal E-Bike ride; it was just brilliant! We also enjoyed lots of great food on the day, everyone said how delicious everything was.

Overall, the day was brilliant and I couldn’t recommend the OV team and facilities more.

Kimberly - Head of people | EnteroBiotix

We had an absolutely brilliant team day out with Ocean Vertical! Our hopes were for a day of positive team building, fun, and refreshment and Ocean Vertical provided that and so much more. The OV team is so welcoming, friendly, professional, and can truly curate an outing that helps your team come together in such an uplifting way. We’ll absolutely be back for more fun and team building with the OV crew!

Sarah - Owner & Coach | CrossFit Haddington

A new twist on a corporate day out – Coasteering: scrambling, swimming and jumping into the sea in East Lothian! Along with paddle boarding and mindfulness sessions. Was a brilliant shared experience, would definitely recommend. Staying on for a BBQ and beers in the courtyard was a fantastic way to reflect on and embellish stories from earlier in the day! 5 stars.

Euan - Associate | 10 Design

Amazing corporate day out doing coasteering, with colleagues also participating in paddle boarding and mindfulness in East Lothian. This was topped off with an amazing dinner and drinks in the evening in a beautiful venue – I will be going back.Thanks to everyone at Ocean Vertical

Shaun | 10 Design

Amazing Corporate Away Day organised by Mollie and the Team at OV. Communication in the run up to the event was excellent and on the day the instructors were very professional, friendly and well organised for all our activities (Mindfulness sessions, Electric Bike Tours and Axe throwing & Archery). It was a great team building day, in a fantastic location.

Highly Recommended and we look forward to many more adventures in the future.

Karen - Office Manager | Enterobiotix

Why host your next team day at Ocean Vertical HQ 

Ocean Vertical HQ at Hedderwick Hill stables is a magnificent Victorian stables building situated on the edge of the John Muir Country Park.  

Nestled in nature, our base is a retreat from the hustle and routine of working life. A place to rejuvenate, find creativity and deepen connections within your team. 

At Ocean Vertical, we’re dedicated to crafting exceptional team away days. You’ll have a personal OV team member by your side to design, plan, and execute a truly memorable experience tailored to your team. 

  • Highly qualified and experienced guides 
  • Activities tailored to all fitness and experience levels within your team 
  • A balance of adventure, reflection, and comfort 
  • Located just 40 minutes from Edinburgh 
  • A strong emphasis on sustainability and respect for nature 
  • A spectacular 100m2 reception space with log burning stove 
  • Changing facilities, showers and toilets. 
  • Lots of parking and easy access from the A1 

Gallery

corporate away days and group outdoor activities edinburgh and scotland
outdoor activities near edinburgh for team building away days
team building activities edinburgh and adventure activities scotland
corporate events and venue hire east lothian adventure activities for groups
team building companies edinburgh and corporate away days scotland
team building outdoor water adventure activities near edinburgh scotland

Our Base

Hedderwick Hill Stables, By Belhaven, Dunbar, EH42 1XF [Signposted Hedderwick Hill Farm off the A1087]

The Transformative Power of Nature and Outdoor Adventure for Corporate Teams and Employees

In the dynamic world of business, where innovation and collaboration are paramount, the natural world and outdoor adventure activities offer a wealth of benefits that extend beyond the boardroom. Incorporating nature and outdoor adventures into corporate team-building initiatives can be a catalyst for enhanced creativity, improved team dynamics, and rejuvenated employee well-being.

1. Strengthening Team Bonds:

Outdoor adventures bring colleagues together in unfamiliar environments, fostering camaraderie and trust. The shared challenges and triumphs of activities such as hiking, coasteering, or team-building exercises create strong bonds that translate to improved collaboration back at the workplace

2. Enhancing Communication:

In nature, communication is essential for safety and success. Adventure activities demand clear and effective communication, honing these skills among team members. The open environment encourages open dialogue, active listening, and a deeper understanding of each other's strengths.

3. Embracing Change and Adaptability:

Outdoor environments are unpredictable, requiring adaptability and problem-solving skills. These challenges mirror the fluid nature of business, encouraging teams to embrace change with resilience and creativity.

4. Stress Reduction and Well-Being:

Time spent outdoors has a remarkable impact on mental well-being. Nature's tranquility provides a break from the stressors of the corporate world, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of peace and rejuvenation among employees

5. Boosting Creativity:

Nature's vastness and beauty inspire fresh perspectives and ignite creativity. Engaging in outdoor activities can trigger innovative thinking and enable employees to approach challenges with renewed vigor and imaginative solutions.

6. Physical Health and Energy:

Outdoor adventures encourage physical activity, contributing to improved physical health and increased energy levels. Encouraging a healthy lifestyle can have positive ripple effects on productivity and overall job satisfaction.

7. Building Leadership Skills:

Outdoor adventures often present opportunities for individuals to step into leadership roles. Navigating challenges, making decisions, and leading a team in nature's dynamic setting can help identify and develop emerging leaders within the organisation

8. Promoting Mindfulness:

Nature invites individuals to be present in the moment, fostering mindfulness and clarity. This practice can enhance focus and concentration, leading to improved task execution and decision-making.

9. Fostering Resilience:

Overcoming outdoor challenges builds resilience, a quality essential for navigating the complexities of the corporate world. These experiences empower employees to bounce back from setbacks and approach obstacles with determination.

10. Rekindling Passion and Motivation:

Outdoor adventures reignite a sense of adventure and passion among employees. The thrill of conquering new terrain can reignite a spark of motivation that carries over into their professional roles.

Incorporating nature and outdoor adventure activities into corporate team-building not only creates memorable experiences but also cultivates skills and attributes that can significantly impact workplace dynamics. These experiences encourage collaboration, stimulate innovation, and foster a sense of unity that can elevate the success of the entire organisation.

Accreditations
Adventure Activities Licensing Authority ASI Accredited School - Stand Up Paddle ASI Academy of Surfing Instructors NCC Promoting Safe Coasteering
Ocean Vertical
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.