Walking coaching
Coaching sessions in nature offer the opportunity to harness the benefits of talking while walking. Taking advantage of some of the stunning environment that we’re lucky to enjoy in Northern Ireland, clients can use the flexibility of our coaching sessions to choose to work together outside.
Outdoor coaching came into its own during the Covid-19 pandemic offering respite from online fatigue and the struggle many found to take proper breaks while working from home.
Married with some great research about the effect moving in nature has on our capacity to think differently, it is designed to give you a break from the screen, a breath of fresh air while working through an issue with me.
Reflections on walking coaching
“I found this new way very attractive as it could take me away from my working space and computer. Engaging in a walking exercise while taking in the view was very conducive to opening up.”
“Talking to Aine is always extremely helpful. Making time for a conversation outside and away from the screen not only helps with the thinking but also mitigates the death by Zoom we’re all experiencing at the moment.”
“Fresh air and open space, even in cold wet weather, inspires creativity and encourages clarity. It is *literally* freeing and allows you to zoom out and view problems from a distance.”
“Constant zooming is draining and would not have yielded the same mental space to speak and think that it may have in a pre-covid world. Also, the ‘unplugging’ element is very attractive because it forces you away from the screen without feeling guilty.”
Outdoor coaching venues
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Stormont Grounds
The grounds of Parliament Buildings offer a range of trails through the woodland. Easy underfoot, there’s a little more challenging loop up to a waterfall. Easily accessible by bus and bike with car parking.
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Cave Hill
With some of the greatest views across Belfast and beyond, Cave Hill offers a number of different walks of varying challenge.
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Comber Greenway
The Comber Greenway is a green corridor through East Belfast along the old rail line. Easily joined at a number of points between the 7 mile stretch from inner East Belfast out to Comber.