Corporate Adventures
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.
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.
Request our corporate brochure below
What people say
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
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.