Why the Princess of Wales chose to walk with us
4th Mar, 2026
Recently, something quietly and powerfully happened in the hills of the Peak District.
We were honoured to welcome The Princess of Wales on one of our Mind Over Mountains wellbeing walks, where she spent time walking, listening and talking with people who have taken part in our programmes and shared how nature, movement and compassionate support have helped them through some of their hardest moments.
It wasn’t a formal visit. There were no speeches or stages. Just walking side by side in nature, open conversation, and real human connection – exactly the space Mind Over Mountains exists to create.
For the people on the walk, many of whom have faced significant mental health challenges, this felt deeply affirming. Their experiences mattered. Their voices were heard. And their journeys – from struggle towards steadier ground – were recognised with genuine care and respect.
For us as a charity, this moment means so much more than visibility.
It shines a light on the urgent need for accessible, preventative mental wellbeing support in the UK, and on the power of nature-based approaches to reach people who might never step into a traditional clinical setting. Our walks and retreats bring together time outdoors with the guidance of qualified coaches and counsellors, creating safe, welcoming spaces where people can talk, reflect and reconnect; without pressure or judgement.
The Princess of Wales’s presence sends a clear signal: that walking, talking and finding support in nature is not a ‘nice extra’, but a vital part of how we care for mental wellbeing, now and for the future.
We hope this moment helps more people realise that support can look different – and that it can be gentle, human and rooted in the natural world. And we hope it helps us reach new partners, funders and supporters who believe, as we do, that everyone deserves access to this kind of care, regardless of background or circumstance.
Thanks to your support, Mind Over Mountains is able to offer these experiences free or at low cost to those who need them most. Together, we are opening up access to nature, to connection, and to hope.
Yesterday was a reminder of how far this movement has come – and how many more people we can reach, if we keep walking together.
