Dundee Trail Therapy

What is trail therapy?

Trail therapy is an innovative intervention programme that seeks to use mountain biking in combination with more traditional therapy techniques to support those with a diagnosed mental health illness. Each session is based on FLOW theory which was developed by Edinburgh Napier University.

FLOW stands for:

  • Focus
  • Learning
  • Others
  • Wellbeing

Find out more

About us

Dundee Trail Therapy (DTT) was developed by Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS) around five years ago.

It became a Scottish Community Integrated Organisation and gained charitable status in June 2024, and is managed by four charity trustees.

A group of mountain bikers. A team of mountain bikers.

How is the programme delivered?

Chatting on the bikes

DTT sessions are run by three of the trustees, who are trained voluntary trail therapy leaders, alongside four regular volunteers. The programme is delivered in the Camperdown Park area of Dundee, using the park's natural spaces.

Sessions are delivered in six to eight week blocks, with each session lasting around two to three hours. Each session will be targeted at one or more of the FLOW themes with the aim of gradually building rider confidence and fitness.

Tuition, as well as use of bikes and equipment, is all provided free of charge to participants.

Who will you ride with?

Our trail therapy practitioners

Joe going over a jump on his bike.

Joe has been a mountain bike leader since 2002 and is a fully qualified trail therapy practitioner and currently sits on our board of trustees.

He is a social worker in his professional capacity and has a keen interest in personal development, especially utilising outdoor education.

Outside work, he is a keen climber, mountaineer, canoeist and cycles anything with two wheels.

How to access trail therapy

Three people talking with the one in the middle pointing at a colourful bike.

Trail therapy is offered to individuals who are experiencing or have experienced poor mental health.

Access to DTT sessions is usually through referral from mental health services in Dundee city, but it is also possible for individuals to self refer.

Short films

The importance of trail therapy

Hazel: From Darkness into Light

Hazel lives with a rare skin condition and must cover her skin completely and wear a visor to protect her face.

While her dad, Lucas, was looking for ways to support her he discovered trail therapy.

Watch this uplifting story of resilience, innovation, and the healing power of bikes.

Rider Resilience

This Film follows the powerful stories of Nils Amelinckx, Rachael Walker, and Sam Rice as they navigate the highs and lows of their journey through life and mountain biking.

Each rider faces unique challenges, demonstrating strength and resilience in the face of adversity.