Trails to Wellbeing Referral Programme

Trails to Wellbeing is our referral-only programme. It’s designed to support people who are experiencing challenges with their mental health, confidence, or wellbeing.

We know it can sometimes feel hard to take the first step — but getting out on a bike, in nature, and with supportive people around you can make a big difference.

Trails to Wellbeing is a nature-based approach to improving mental wellbeing through mountain biking. It combines the physical and emotional benefits of riding in natural environments with a person-centred, supportive structure designed to promote connection, confidence, and calm.

Developed through national partnerships and backed by research, Trails to Wellbeing uses a structured model called the FLOW System:

  • Focus (mindfulness techniques on the bike)

  • Learning (personal growth and skill-building)

  • Others (social connection and group support)

  • Wellbeing (positive emotional and physical health outcomes)

At Boundless Trails CIC, we integrate these principles into every session — creating safe, inclusive spaces where participants are supported to ride at their own pace, grow in confidence, and reflect on how movement, nature, and community can positively impact their wellbeing.

Why it’s Needed?

Mental health challenges continue to rise across Scotland, and not everyone feels comfortable or able to access traditional clinical services. Trail Therapy offers an alternative and accessible approach — rooted in community, movement, and the outdoors.

Scotland-based insights:

  • 47% of adults in Scotland say physical activity improves their mental wellbeing

  • But over 35% don’t meet recommended activity levels

  • Up to 90% of people say spending time outdoors improves their mood and helps manage stress

  • Nature-based activity has been linked to reduced anxiety, improved sleep, increased self-esteem, and stronger social connections

(Sources: Mental Health Foundation Scotland, Public Health Scotland, NatureScot)

At Boundless Trails, we've seen this firsthand — from participants who struggle with anxiety or isolation, to those just looking for space to breathe and reconnect with themselves. The bike becomes a bridge to nature, confidence, and calm.

Our Approach: Person-Centred, Always

Everything we do is grounded in a person-centred approach:

✔️ You decide what your ride looks like — we support, not direct

✔️ There’s no pressure to talk, share, or perform

✔️ Every ride includes time for connection, encouragement, and feedback

✔️ Our leaders are trained in MTB Trail Therapy, Mental Health First Aid, and trauma-informed practice

✔️ The aim is confidence, connection, and calm — at your pace

We’re not here to fix. We’re here to ride together, reflect together, and support each other — on and off the trail.

Next steps:

If you’d like to take part, you can refer yourself

or, if you’re a health professional, you can refer someone you’re supporting