A wellbeing coach from Llangollen has spoken of a “calm and reflective” experience after leading The Princess of Wales in a mindfulness moment during a mental health walk in the Peak District.

The Princess joined nature-based mental health charity Mind Over Mountains earlier this month for a Mental Wellbeing Walk, meeting volunteers and past participants who shared personal stories of how outdoor therapy has helped them through difficult periods.

Despite wind and rain, The Princess walked alongside the group and took part in guided mindfulness sessions led by Diana West, 57, a certified professional coach and the charity’s Wellbeing Team Leader.

“Walking in this beautiful landscape with The Princess of Wales felt very natural, calm and reflective,” said Diana.

“Mind Over Mountains mental wellbeing walks are all about embracing the simple yet powerful benefits of spending time outdoors – connecting with nature, ourselves, and each other. It was an absolute privilege to share this with Her Royal Highness.”

The day included short mindfulness pauses woven into the walk, encouraging participants to slow down, settle their thoughts, and connect with the landscape around them.

Using the surrounding hills and views, participants were gently supported to reflect, gain perspective, and consider positive steps forward.

Mind Over Mountains is the only UK charity combining guided hill walks with professional therapeutic support from qualified coaches and counsellors. Since launching in 2020, it has supported more than 1,000 people, with a particular focus on helping emergency service workers.

Chief Executive Ian Boyd said the Princess’s involvement highlighted the growing importance of nature-based wellbeing support.

“For the Princess of Wales to openly champion mental health and emotional support through nature is hugely powerful,” 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 and other partners with cost-effective, community-based preventative support.”

The charity estimates its interventions deliver around £9–£12 of social value for every £1 invested, with participants reporting substantial improvements in wellbeing.

The visit comes as mental health and wellbeing remain a major focus for communities across North Wales during the winter months, when many people experience increased isolation, anxiety and low mood.

Along the North Wales coast, Bayside Radio has been playing a key role in helping residents access support through its Winter Wellbeing Conversations campaign, in conjunction with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

The station’s initiative is designed to offer practical advice, reassurance and local signposting during the colder season, reminding listeners that help is available and that no one has to face challenges alone.

Through a dedicated online hub and regular on-air features, Bayside Radio is sharing information about a wide range of services.

The work of Mind Over Mountains reflects a wider movement around green social prescribing, which connects people experiencing mental wellbeing challenges with nature-based support through community providers.

National evaluations have shown strong uptake and significant mental health improvements through outdoor interventions, as more health partners recognise the benefits of stepping outside traditional clinical settings.

For residents in North Wales, the message from both Mind Over Mountains and Bayside Radio is clear: support can take many forms – from walking and talking outdoors, to accessing local advice services, community groups and wellbeing conversations closer to home.

Mind Over Mountains walks and retreats can be booked through the charity’s website https://mindovermountains.org.uk/