About Siwrnai

My name is Ailsa, and I’m a Welsh outdoor instructor based in North Wales. I’ve spent most of my career working outdoors in roles such as climbing instruction, mountain walking, and scrambling. After taking a break from instructing to train in carpentry, I gradually found myself drawn back to the mountains and to working with people in natural spaces. That pull led me to create Siwrnai — journey in Welsh — an outdoor practice rooted in exploration, curiosity, and reconnection.

Through Siwrnai, I offer guided experiences that support people to slow down, reconnect with the natural world, and find moments of calm away from the busyness of everyday life. These sessions range from gentle Forest Bathing experiences to more adventurous days in the mountains and on the water. My work is open to anyone who feels drawn to spend time outdoors with care, intention, and curiosity.

I believe that nature and outdoor spaces are powerful tools for healing, reflection, and growth. As an outdoor instructor, my role is to guide people into these environments — whether through walking, climbing, canoeing, surfing, or time spent among the trees — and to hold a safe, attentive space where they can connect with both the landscape and themselves. Often, nature does much of the talking.

Siwrnai is an inclusive practice, welcoming people from all walks of life. I have particular experience in creating supportive spaces for people who may not always feel at ease in traditional outdoor settings, and I’m committed to offering experiences that are respectful, non-judgemental, and led at a human pace. Alongside this work, I founded Queer Hiking North Wales, which reflects my wider commitment to belonging, community, and access in the outdoors.

The mountains, forests, and waters of Eryri / Snowdonia are central to this work. Guided journeys may weave together Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku), wild swimming, mindfulness, and local folklore — creating immersive experiences that balance adventure with reflection. My approach is about guiding without directing, bridging the gap between the busy “monkey mind” and a slower, more reflective state where clarity and calm can emerge.

If you feel called to step into these landscapes, slow down, and reconnect — with nature or with yourself — I’d love to welcome you on a journey.