For many women in Nepal, becoming a trekking guide means much more than learning mountain trails.
It means stepping beyond the limits that society, tradition, and sometimes even family expectations have placed around them. Many come from remote villages, where opportunities can be scarce and life choices are often shaped by cultural roles assigned early on. Training in the mountains becomes a way to reclaim something powerful: independence.
To learn these paths is to learn to trust themselves.
To climb is to discover that their voice — their own voice — can lead them forward.
Watching them walk these steep trails with strength and certainty reminded me that courage is often built one step at a time. Their resilience, their laughter, and their determination inspired me to keep walking beside them with the same courage.
Many of these scenes were filmed while climbing the Mardi Himal Trek with @ocean_vertical , and were made possible thanks to this experience in collaboration with @3sistersadventuretrek
Some journeys take you to the mountains.
Others teach you how to stand on your own.
And thank you dear @dikshyaabohra and @_ankita_lala for everything. All my admiration and love for both of you.
#Nepal #canondeutschland #WomenEmpowerment #visualstorytelling #FemaleTrekkingGuides
Sunshine, longer days and the water warming up can only mean one thing! coasteering season is back. We’ve already been out exploring, swimming tidal channels and sharing the coastline with some brilliant people. Spring and summer dates are filling fast, so if you’ve been thinking about joining us on the water this year, now’s the time.
Use the EARLYBIRD2026 discount code
🌊 Summer Wellbeing at Ocean Vertical
We think that you deserve a day, or an evening, that’s entirely yours.
No emails, no to-do lists. Just fresh air, movement, good food and the kind of reset that actually works. 🌿
This summer, we’ve put together a series of wellbeing retreats and events on the stunning East Lothian coast, because sometimes treating yourself is the most productive thing you can do.
Here’s what’s on:
🧘 Summer Reset Yoga with @erintaylorworks — 4th June, 6–8pm
🏄 Yoga & Paddle Boarding Day Retreat — 13th June
🌳Mindfulness & Paddle Boarding Day Retreat — 11th July
🌊 Yoga & Surfing Day Retreat — 12th September
All based at OV HQ, Hedderwick Hill Stables, East Lothian.
Each day retreat includes a locally sourced lunch. All levels welcome.
🐣 Early Bird offer, save 15% on all summer bookings with code EARLYBIRD2026. May only, don’t hang around!
Book via the link in bio | oceanvertical.com
#OceanVertical #SummerWellbeing #YogaScotland #EastLothian #WellbeingRetreat
Summer Reset🌞
A seasonal evening of movement, rest, and connection
6–8pm Thursday, 4 June
Settle into the rhythm of summer with an extended, yoga-inspired practice in @ocean_vertical ’s beautiful space in Dunbar/East Lothian, designed to help you unwind, restore energy, and feel more at ease in your body. This timely session blends functional movement, mobility, breathwork, and guided relaxation to release tension, support recovery, and leave you feeling calm, clear, and re-energised.
After practice, we’ll gather outside around the fire pit for tea, marshmallows, and time to relax, connect, and enjoy the evening together. Erin’s Move, Rest, Recover workbook will also be available as a resource for those who want to keep their practicing rolling after this special event.
All levels welcome, see you there!
Book via link in bio 🔗❤️
Did you know we offer private sessions across all of our adventures?
Perfect for families, groups, celebrations, or anyone wanting their own exclusive experience.
This also enables us to lower the age limit on activities to 7+, making them ideal for younger adventurers!
⭐ Perfect for families & groups
⭐ Your adventure, your pace
⭐ Private Guide
⭐ Exclusive experience
📅 Book your 2026 adventure this May and SAVE 15%
Use code EARLYBIRD2026 at checkout
⏰ Code expires 31st May 2026
Just get in touch to create your private adventure!
@keepedinburghthriving are launching their Thriving card today. We are incredibly proud and excited about being a card partner, we look forward to seeing you all soon.
This week @ocean_vertical Director Stevie Boyle was at the @dolphinhouse_sa in South Ayrshire assessing @nationalcoasteeringcharter guides award. We had a great time exploring Games Loupe.
This was very special as this Venue was the first place Stevie did his first ever “official” coasteering venue in 2006, 20 years ago.
☀️ Summer adventure camp sorted — and right now you can save 15%!
We’re thrilled to be back with our friends at @foxlake_adventures for another summer of the Ultimate Adventure Camp, the best school holiday activity in East Lothian for young adventurers aged 7–15.
Each action-packed day combines Ocean Vertical adventures (coasteering, paddleboarding, surfing, archery & axe throwing) with Foxlake’s incredible activities (Aqua Park, Foxfall Ropes Course & Ringo). No two days are ever the same — that’s the beauty of real outdoor adventure. 🌊🪓🧗
🎉 EARLY BIRD OFFER: Book in May and get 15% off all our summer day trips — just use code EARLYBIRD2026 at checkout. Offer ends 31st May, so don’t hang about!
👉 Book via link in bio /
(P.S. Parents — we also have hot desk space at The Bothy while the kids adventure. Just saying. 😄)
UK Expeditions with Ocean Vertical 🥾⛰️
Last week we headed to the far north west of Scotland with an awesome group of clients and our spring Assynt Expedition did not disappoint! Two nights camping by a stunning Scottish beach, one big mountain day to the summit of Suilven, campfires and fish and chips watching the sunset. Mini expeditions in Scotland really don’t get much better than this.
Our next Assynt Expedition is 11th–13th September and we only have 2 spots left, book now via the link in bio 🏕️🌅
May is here! The days are getting longer, the sea is warming up, and the sun is shining. 🔆
This month we have plenty going on at Ocean Vertical, adventures in the sea including, surfing, coasteering and paddleboarding. Outdoor instructor training courses for those ready to level up their skills. And plenty of school adventure and first aid sessions!
And if you're already thinking about summer, book now and save 15% on all summer bookings with code EARLYBIRD2026 - Only available for the month of May.
Come and join us. 🌊
Book via the link in bio | oceanvertical.com
The sun’s out, the sea’s calling and we must go
Days like this are what it’s all about saltwater, good people, and just having a laugh on the coast.
No pressure, just turn up, be yourself, and enjoy it.
This is coasteering in good weather.
🔗 Link in bio or at oceanvertical.com
We are just back from Nepal. 🏔️
Eight days in the Annapurna region with eleven incredible people from six different countries. Ages 27 to 67. One of the most varied groups we have ever taken to the mountains, and the best we have ever seen come together as a team.
The rhododendrons were extraordinary this year, painting the hillsides in deep pinks and reds. The birdlife stopped people mid-stride. The teahouse evenings went on far too long and nobody minded at all.
The highlight, as always, was our time with the guides and trekking assistants from 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking, eight young women on their very first expedition with foreign clients. Watching them grow in confidence and skill over eight days is one of the reasons we keep coming back to Nepal year after year.
Mollie has written the full expedition report, link in bio. 👆
Our next departures are Mardi Himal in March 2027 and Gokyo Lakes in November 2026. Places are limited.
Drop us a message if Nepal is calling you. 🙏
