Navigating Grief on Crib Goch

By Leanne Moulton (The Academy at Harmless Lead)

Each year, my family and I climb Snowdon in memory of someone we lost far too soon, a loved one whose absence we feel every day. It’s our way of honouring him and keeping his spirit alive in the landscape he always wanted to be in, but sadly never got the chance to.

It’s an opportunity for us to turn grief into something active, purposeful and grounding. This year we took on Crib Goch, an infamous knife-edge, ridge route up Snowdon known for its extreme exposure and terrain. It’s a Grade 1 scramble that demands both physical strength and mental resilience. While I knew it would be tough, I wasn’t quite prepared for just how intense it would feel in the moment. At times, I was terrified. The wind, narrow ridges and sheer drops all tested both my nerves and my focus.

But being in the outdoors gives me a unique kind of reset. Whether it’s a quiet walk through woodland or an intense climb like Crib Goch, nature helps me process stress and anxious thoughts, and to gain a sense of perspective. It’s not about escaping reality but about reconnecting with it in a more meaningful way.

Climbing Crib Goch wasn’t about adrenaline. It was about mindfulness. Not the kind where you sit still with your eyes closed, but a type where your body moves and your mind stays fully present. That sort of experience – especially during Mental Health Awareness Week – reminded me just how important it is to find what works for you when it comes to mental wellbeing. This Mental Health Awareness Week, I’m reminded of the strength that lives in community, in nature and in ourselves. Whether you’re navigating grief, stress or just the weight of everyday life, the outdoors can offer something quietly transformative. For me, the climb was more than a route up a mountain – it was a journey of healing, honouring and finding peace, one step at a time.