Trails to Wellbeing Referral Programme
Trails to Wellbeing is our referral-only programme, designed to support people who are experiencing challenges with their mental health, confidence, or wellbeing.
We know that taking the first step into a social or group activity can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why Trails to Wellbeing can begin with 1:1 mountain biking sessions, giving participants the time, space and individual support to build confidence at their own pace.
As confidence grows, participants can be supported to progress into small-group sessions and wider community activities when they feel ready. There’s no pressure to move into a group - the programme is shaped around the individual and where they are in their journey.
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 and wellbeing challenges can make it difficult to take part in everyday activities, particularly for people experiencing anxiety, low confidence or social isolation. While community groups and organised activities can provide valuable opportunities for connection and support, joining a group isn't always an accessible first step for everyone.
That's why 1:1 support is central to Trails to Wellbeing. Participants can begin individually, in a low-pressure environment, building trust, confidence and familiarity at their own pace. Where appropriate, we can then support progression into small-group sessions, community rides or other activities when they feel ready.
The evidence also supports the role that physical activity and the outdoors can play in wellbeing:
47% of adults in Scotland feel their mental health and wellbeing can be improved through physical activity.
35% of adults in Scotland do not meet recommended moderate or vigorous physical activity guidelines.
In NatureScot's latest national survey, 94% of cycling and mountain-biking outdoor visits were reported as contributing to improved mental health.
95% of cycling and mountain-biking visits were reported as contributing to improved physical health.
Sources: Mental Health Foundation Scotland and NatureScot's Scotland's People and Nature Survey 2023/24.
At Boundless Trails, we've seen these barriers firsthand. Some people simply aren't ready to step straight into a group activity. Trails to Wellbeing gives them another starting point - using mountain biking, nature and individual support to build confidence and, where appropriate, create a pathway towards wider community participation.
“Seeing him go from terrified before his first session to genuinely looking forward to every ride has been incredible. The biggest change has been his confidence and independence.”
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.
What’s Included
Trails to Wellbeing provides up to 6 fully funded 1:1 mountain biking sessions, tailored around the individual and where they are starting from.
Each participant receives:
Up to 6 fully funded 1:1 sessions
Individual support to build confidence at their own pace
A focus on wellbeing, confidence, skills and time outdoors, shaped around what matters to the participant
An inclusive, person-centred and trauma-aware approach
All equipment provided where needed, including an e-mountain bike and helmet
A safe, welcoming and low-pressure environment for people experiencing barriers such as anxiety, low mood, low confidence or social isolation
What happens next?
Trails to Wellbeing is designed to be a starting point rather than an endpoint.
As confidence grows, we’ll work with each participant to explore what comes next. This might include joining one of our free community group rides, connecting with another local cycling or outdoor activity, or finding other opportunities that help them stay active, connected and involved.
There’s no pressure to progress into a group
Referrals
Trails to Wellbeing is a referral-only programme for people who may benefit from additional 1:1 support to build confidence, improve wellbeing and become more comfortable taking part in outdoor and community activities.
Referrals can be made by professionals and organisations supporting the individual, including health, social care, education and third-sector services.
If you're interested in Trails to Wellbeing for yourself, you're welcome to get in touch with us to find out more. We'll help you understand whether the programme may be suitable and how to access it.