Thursday January 15th 2026
Tour de France route map through Scotland
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The full route of the opening stage of the 2027 Tour de France has been revealed tonight, confirming Midlothian will welcome the world’s largest annual sporting event when the men’s race gets underway in Scotland.
The opening stage will start in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July 2027, before heading south through Midlothian and the Scottish Borders, tackling the day’s sole categorised climb on the Cote de Melrose amidst the Eldon Hills, before crossing the border and finishing in Carlisle, outside the city’s medieval castle.
Whilst Edinburgh was confirmed last year as host of the Grand Depart, 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.
As a yellow beam from the coordinated UK-wide “Tour de Skies” celebration at Edinburgh Castle lit up the capital’s skyline, Midlothian Council Leader Councillor Kelly Parry said:
“We’re thrilled to welcome world-class cycling to Midlothian. Being part of the Tour de France Grand Départ is an incredible opportunity to showcase our stunning landscapes to a global audience and inspire generations to embrace the sport. We’ll be proud to say a big ‘bonjour’ to the Tour and, working closely with our communities, ensure this moment leaves a lasting economic, social, and cultural legacy for Midlothian.”
The beam 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 Departs.
Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, added:
“An iconic sporting event like the Tour de France starting on Edinburgh’s historic streets will be a truly memorable moment for Scotland. From our capital city, the stage will see the cyclists racing through some of our most beautiful countryside in Midlothian, the Scottish Borders – where they will face a tough test on the climb of the Côte de Melrose – and finally Dumfries and Galloway. Places such as Newtongrange, with its rich mining heritage; Galashiels, home to Scotland’s textile industry; and Canonbie, on the River Esk, will put their unique stamps on and become part of the history of this legendary event.
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 begin 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.
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.
Alongside the host venues, first details of Joy, the social impact programme that will embed community impact at the heart of the 2027 Grand Départ was announced, while British Cycling also confirmed that 7,000 volunteers will be recruited to support the delivery of the world’s biggest free-to-watch sporting event.
Chief Executive of British Cycling, Jon Dutton, said:
“The Grand Départs in 2027 are about so much more than six unforgettable stages of racing – it’s about unlocking lasting change for communities right across Britain.
“Through Joy – our collective, game-changing social impact programme – we will put opportunity, wellbeing and community pride right at the heart of this moment in sporting history.
“This is a once‑in‑a‑generation chance to build a healthier, more active and more connected nation. It shows the power of major events when they’re done right, and British Cycling is proud to help deliver a legacy that will be felt long after the peloton has left UK shores.”
For more information visit: letourgb.com
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