The Princess of Wales joined a group of walkers on a supported mental wellbeing walk in the Peak District yesterday (January 27) taking part in an outdoor experience organised by nature-based mental health charity Mind Over Mountains.
Undeterred by wind and rain, the Princess walked and talked with participants as they shared personal experiences of how spending time in nature, alongside professional wellbeing support, has helped them manage mental health challenges.
Picture credit: Mind Over Mountains
Among those taking part was Measham resident Samah Ahmed, a paramedic with West Midlands Ambulance Service, who was invited after previously attending Mind Over Mountains walks and retreats. She has spoken about the positive impact the charity’s programmes have had on her mental wellbeing.
Before setting off on a hill walk, the Princess joined the group for a short mindfulness moment, encouraging participants to pause and connect with the surrounding landscape. Along the route, she spoke with Ms Ahmed, 37, about her experiences walking with Mind Over Mountains’ trained walk leaders, wellbeing coaches and counsellors, and the benefits she has felt from taking part.
Ms Ahmed said: “I first discovered Mind Over Mountains through a poster at my ambulance station, and as a paramedic I was drawn to the combination of time outdoors and structured wellbeing support. After several intense years of training, I was actively looking for a healthier work–life balance, and the walks I joined with Mind Over Mountains played an important role in supporting my mental wellbeing.
“Taking part in a wellbeing walk alongside the Princess of Wales was a meaningful reflection of that experience. The walks are beautifully paced and accessible, with thoughtful moments for mindfulness and reflection, and I always come away feeling lighter, more grounded, and better equipped to cope with everyday life.”
The walk included a series of short, guided mindfulness exercises woven into the route, designed to help participants slow their thoughts, gain perspective and connect with the natural environment. Using the surrounding hills and views, the group was gently supported by a Mind Over Mountains wellbeing coach to reflect and consider positive steps forward.
Mind Over Mountains is the only UK charity to combine professional therapeutic support with guided outdoor experiences. Since its establishment in 2020, it has supported more than 1,000 people, with a particular focus on emergency service workers.
Before the Princess departed, Mind Over Mountains chief executive Ian Boyd said her support sent a powerful message about the role of nature in mental health care.
“For The Princess of Wales to openly champion mental health and emotional support through nature is hugely powerful, not only for Mind Over Mountains, but for the growing green social prescribing movement,” he said. “Our evidence-led approach brings the transformative power of the outdoors — our ‘natural health service’ — into everyday mental health provision, complementing NHS services with cost-effective, community-based preventative support.”
Mind Over Mountains’ mental fitness and wellbeing walks and retreats can be booked via the charity’s website.
