Our volunteer Sian shares her time from our first event in Wales. From the idyllic backdrop of Pistyll Rhaedr Fall up to Cadair Berwyn, to discovering a new slower pace and healing power of nature.

In the words of Boris himself; You should go outside to exercise - but you shouldn’t go outside to exercise! So… if you are to go out and exercise, then let it be for the experience of the beauty of nature and evolve the benefits from the proven healing power of being out in the hills.

The challenging times faced over lockdown alongside constantly changing restrictions left many confused, worried and stressed about what they can and can’t do. It can be worries like these that unsettle our minds and damage our well-being. Four in 10 psychiatrists reported an increase in people needing urgent and emergency mental healthcare – including new patients – in the wake of the lockdown. The true toll of lockdown on our mental health is still being discovered.

As an enthusiastic explorer of the outdoors and self-confessed fitness fanatic, I have experienced first-hand the benefit of both the great outdoors and exercise. Since finding out about the work that Mind Over Mountains does to contribute to helping those in need of finding a natural balance in their own mind, I have been keen to volunteer and get involved. Having developed a keen eye for marketing, I have put this into action supporting Mind Over Mountains with promotion and developing the charity’s brand awareness. Raising its public image allows us to reach more people, expanding our capacity and ensuring we can provide help for as many that want it.

On Saturday 26th September, I had the privilege of joining my first ‘Reconnecting Ramble’. As the Welsh borders opened once again, I was excited to join the Mind Over Mountains team on their first programme in Wales.

I joined a delightful and like-minded group of 13 others. The plan was to wind up through the mystical scenes of the Pistyll Rhaeadr falls up to Cadair Berwyn, all the while experiencing the idyllic backdrop and sights of the wild Welsh landscape. As enlightening as the scenery was - so was the chance to meet this group of individuals, all chatting sharing their own purposes and reasons for attending the walk.  

The group assembled bright and early, with all team members and participants socially distanced of course, before charity co-founders Alex and Chris led introductions to welcome all and discuss the aims for the day. This was personal to each rambler, the key central message was to encourage us to clear our minds, take in the surroundings and become present in our environment. During this introduction it was encouraging to see how people began to inhale with every controlled breath, visibly relaxing and shrugging aside the worries of the week. 

Then we were off! Our mountain guides Richard and Lizzy led the group to the bottom of the breathtaking Pistyll Rhaeadr falls. A truly enchanting setting. There was something magical about the place - the fresh air and vapour of the falls belying the raw power of the water. The falls shimmered in the light and unveiled an area of majestic beauty that wouldn’t be out of place in a fairy tale. It was immediately apparent why this was one of the Severn Wonders of Wales.