Old Member organises a charity walk for HRH The Princess of Wales

On Tuesday 27th January, Old Member Lizzy Mills planned and guided a walk in the Peak District for HRH The Princess of Wales on behalf of the mental health charity Mind Over Mountains. 

As a committed advocate for mental wellbeing, The Princess of Wales braved challenging weather conditions to walk and talk with the charity’s team and past participants, who shared personal stories of how therapeutic outdoor experiences with Mind Over Mountains had helped them overcome mental health challenges.

Walking along Baslow Edge, one of the Peak District’s iconic gritstone edges, The Princess joined the group for a brief moment of mindfulness, pausing to ground themselves in the surrounding landscape. There was a light-hearted moment when both the Princess and Lizzy looked down and laughed as they realised they were standing together in a muddy puddle. Talking about her walk with The Princess of Wales, Lizzysaid: “Guiding the Princess on a walk in the Peak District was a real privilegeand wonderful opportunity to highlight the work of Mind Over Mountains. What struck me most was how, despite the wild weather, we all came together to share a meaningful experience outdoors.  There was a strong sense of connectionas we took time to talk, reflect, and enjoy moments of mindfulness in nature. It was a powerful reminder of the value of simply being outside, together.”

While other organisations provide guided walks or mental health support separately, Mind Over Mountains is the only UK charity that integrates free professional therapeutic support with guided outdoor experiences and has supported over 1,000 people since it was set up in 2020. 

Lizzy Mills is a qualified Mountain Leader who has led numerous wellbeing walks and fundraising challenge walks for the charity. She runs her own business called Whats Not To Hike delivering first aid training, guided walks, team walks and challenges.