What’s an outdoor coaching session like?

Written By Katie Newman

Back in one of my favourite spots yesterday morning leading a 2hour coaching session in nature...

Image on Longshaw Estate The Peak District, sheffield. Blue sky and hills.

Where were we? 🦡

We based ourselves at The National Trust Longshaw Estate (as seen recently on Spring Watch). It is such a gift for this kind of session:

  • Location: In the wild Peak District, but very close to Sheffield

  • Accessibility: Flat easy paths and more adventurous routes

  • Landscape variety: Trees, moor, nature, lake, river, views, valleys

  • Abundance of wildlife: Bees, birds, sheep, ants, ducks, cows.

  • Facilities: Loos and coffee 👌


What did we do? 👣

Here's an insight into how we spent the time:

  • Connection: Caught up on how each other was, how we were feeling coming into the session - context matters.

  • Grounding: Getting out of our heads and into our bodies - what can we feel, hear, see, what do we notice in the view, how is it speaking to us, what is it's invitation for the time we have today?

  • Unloading: Creating the time and space for the client to think out loud, be heard, to figure out what's really going on and where they want to get to.

  • Coaching: Reflecting back to them what's I've heard, asking the questions that help them go deeper, providing both challenge and support.

  • Noticing nature: We use the landscape to provide a mirror and metaphor for the client e.g. What 'the woods' represent vs. the open rocks. How the scurrying ants speak to the situation. The density of bracken and how to break through.

  • Exercises: Yesterday we worked with natural objects to pictorially depict the situation that the client found themselves in, and figure out what they could do to improve things.

  • Reflection: Identifying the insights created during the session, the shifts experienced, and the practical actions now to be taken.

All whilst walking, exploring and noticing the nature around us.

Katie Newman in a white tshirt wearing a backpack smiling at the camera

Why choose outdoor coaching ? 🌳


Because you'll think better away from your laptop.

Walking, fresh air, different environment, views, nature.. these things all calm your nervous system, release serotonin and endorphins, and unlock your creativity and problem solving.

Want to find some answers?

Come walk with me.

Katie Newman
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Walking coaching?