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Article published 15/01/2026

The full route of the opening stage of the 2027 Tour de France has been revealed tonight (15 January). The announcement confirms how the world’s biggest annual sporting event will begin when the men’s race gets underway in Scotland.

The opening stage will start in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July 2027. It will then head south through Midlothian, the Scottish Borders, and Dumfries and Galloway. Riders will tackle the day’s sole categorised climb on the Côte de Melrose amidst the Eildon Hills. They will then cross the border and finish in Carlisle, outside the city’s medieval castle.

While Edinburgh was confirmed last year as host of the Grand Départ, tonight’s announcement provides the first detailed look at the Scottish route, underlining Scotland’s role in setting the tone for the 2027 Tour de France as it begins three days of racing on British roads.

Following the first stage, the men’s race will head to Keswick, Liverpool and Welshpool, finishing the UK leg of the world’s biggest annual sporting event in Cardiff.

People posing for photo in front of Edinburgh Castle

Left to right: Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, Sir Mark Cavendish, General Director Tour de France Christian Prudhomme, HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, First Minister John Swinney at the launch event in March 2025​​​​. © SWpix

The Grand Départ opening stage of the 2027 Tour de France from Edinburgh to Carlisle
The Grand Départ opening stage of the 2027 Tour de France from Edinburgh to Carlisle
Image credit Tour de France

Tour de Skies

To mark the moment, Edinburgh Castle was illuminated as part of a coordinated UK-wide Tour de Skies celebration, with a yellow beam lighting up the capital’s skyline.

The activation linked Scotland with nine other host towns and cities across England and Wales, creating a single national moment of anticipation ahead of the historic Grand Départs.

Tour de Skies celebration at Edinburgh Castle © PA

Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift

Alongside the announcement of the full UK route for the men’s event, Leeds was also confirmed as the start location for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.

The race will kick off on Friday 30 July 2027 from the Yorkshire city, before crossing the Pennines to Manchester, then returning to Sheffield via the climbs of the Peak District before concluding with a showpiece stage in London. 

Social impact

Alongside the route announcement, organisers also revealed Joy, the social impact programme at the heart of the 2027 Grand Départ. The programme aims to:

  • tackle inactivity and improve mental wellbeing
  • support communities to thrive
  • make Britain more productive and prosperous.

Six core programmes will be rolled out across the home nations. Organisers will work in collaboration with governments, local councils, core delivery partners and community representatives to:

  • create opportunities for young people to develop their skills
  • break down barriers for girls in sport
  • showcase community culture through the voices of Britain.

Volunteers needed

Additionally, British Cycling will look to recruit more than 7,000 volunteers to support the event. People across the UK will be invited to play a hands-on role in delivering the world’s biggest free-to-watch sporting event.

Thousands of opportunities will be available across route operations, spectator support and community engagement, offering people of all ages the chance to be part of Tour history.

More details will be announced when the programme is launched in the spring.

Find out more about the Tour de France Grand Départs

The Tour de France starting in Edinburgh will be a moment of real national significance and a powerful endorsement of Scotland’s ability to deliver on the biggest international stages. I am delighted that the historic streets of our capital and the beautiful landscapes of Scotland will be at the heart of this iconic sporting event, one that will be watched by millions of fans on the route and around the world.

John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland

The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the route details we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain. Bringing both Grand Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK.

Christian Prudhomme, Director, Tour de France (ASO)

The route announcement for the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027 marks another exciting moment for Scotland. Edinburgh, together with the breathtaking landscapes of Midlothian, the Scottish Borders, and Dumfries and Galloway, will provide the perfect stage for the opening day of the world’s most iconic bike race.

Riders and fans, whether lining the roadside or tuning in from across the world, will witness Scotland at its very best as the peloton winds through dramatic scenery and world-class venues.

Major events like this bring social and economic benefits to our communities. Hosting the Grand Départ, alongside the Joy Programme, will not only showcase Scotland as a premier destination for tourism and events but also create a lasting legacy that endures long after the race has finished.

Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events, VisitScotland

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