Before the retreat, I knew I needed a break - and when I searched Google, Mind Over Mountains came up. It took me a while to engage, but then I got in touch and thought the retreats looked very interesting. So I thought, why not? I liked the focus on mental wellbeing, with support for NHS workers. It seemed like a nice opportunity, a chance to just go away, do some walking.

I had no idea what to really expect, aside from a blog post I’d read, and at first I had some concerns: it was quite far, quite a journey, and it was going to be cold. I didn't know what the accommodation was going to be like. I just didn’t know what to expect.

The Zoom call before the retreat was an opportunity to see, virtually, the people who were going to attend the walks, and to ask any particular questions. It was useful, and I think other people will probably find it useful too. 

Our group was diverse, and everybody had their own individual struggles with mental wellbeing - and the level of professionalism from the teams supporting us was excellent. 

Looking back, there were so many different takeaways from the retreat. The reality is that we need to get out in the countryside, even in the winter! More people from the inner cities need to get out in the country - and to go out in all sorts of weather. It was just... it's eye opening really.  

I know a lot of people from the city areas; I was brought up in Birmingham myself. I have travelled in the local area and I have been down to Devon too, but mainly in the summer as a tourist. Nothing like this before.

The walking was fantastic. The knowledge of the walk leader was excellent - he spoke a lot about various edible plants and different birds along the way. It really was fascinating and I learnt a lot - and wanted to learn more. 

The food was lovely, the people were really lovely and I was really impressed by the expertise of the team, and the variety of people that attended. I was in awe of the organisation when they helped a young lady who came along from Afghanistan. They supported her with her situation and with her funds and I thought it's great to give somebody like that an opportunity. More people of colour should take up this opportunity. I know there are black walking groups, Asian walking groups, but I don't think there's enough really.

During the walks, we all got absolutely soaked, but even that was a great experience! The mud was everywhere. Mud, mud, mud! I even got stuck - they had to take my boot out of the mud! And on the last day, when it was 60 miles an hour winds and we all got soaked - even those with their fancy waterproofs ended up being soaked - even that in itself was just a really wonderful experience.

I just think it was awesome. All of it was awesome. I can't complain about anything. I came away thinking, I want to do more. And since my return it doesn't matter what the weather or the conditions are. I've got my boots. I've got my coat. I put my hat on and I get out there and I walk. 

Now, I purposely find opportunities to go out, to walk. And then when I’m walking I’m listening, smelling, even tasting where I can. And noticing more of what surrounds me. I find the walks very relaxing, and a chance to be mindful. Now when I’m walking, I'm looking on the ground, I’m listening to what is there and seeing so much more. 

I recently completed a four hour hike - I would never have signed up for something like that prior to attending the Mind Over Mountains retreat.

To anyone who isn't sure about booking on, I would say: grab the opportunity. It doesn't matter what the weather’s like, or what time of year it is - just grab the opportunity. There are bursaries if you can't afford it - and I do think it's worth it.

I just wish that everybody could have this opportunity, especially young people. I work with looked after children; getting away from London for the weekend, or even a week, and being in the heart of the landscape really helps you shift emotionally, gives a new perspective.