The Tour de France 2027 in Scotland

Edinburgh to Carlisle 

Join the crowd as the race gets off to an exhilarating start in the heart of Edinburgh before passing through Midlothian's scenic landscapes and heading south to the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway. From the first ceremonial flag drop, witness a riveting spectacle as the riders shoot off, team cars in convoy. With around 184 km ahead, riders face a scenic ride through sweeping terrain, with wide-open views, quiet roads and long, bracing climbs. 

This stage offers an unforgettable initiation into this legendary race. You can soak up the buzzing atmosphere of the Grand Départ in the capital before following the route into the countryside, where the pace is fast and the setting more relaxed. The final stretch into Carlisle sees the terrain flatten out and the pace swiften as riders gear up for the thrilling sprint finish and the chance to secure the first coveted Yellow Jersey of the race. 

Find out more about The Tour de France – Grande Depart Grand Bretagne 2027  

Frequently asked questions - Scottish Borders Council

Edinburgh and Midlothian – The Grand Départ 

The stage begins in Edinburgh, where the tension builds as the peloton assembles before surging out onto the streets. As the race leaves the capital, it rolls into Midlothian and the terrain starts to lift, with gentle climbs and undulating roads setting the tone for the day ahead. If you have time to spare before the race, why not get your bearings on a guided cycling tour of the city? 

Riders continue south into the Scottish Borders, where the landscape opens up and the challenge gradually intensifies. The route climbs towards Broad Law near Heriot – at around 400 metres, one of the highest points of Stage 1 – offering sweeping views across the surrounding hills. This stretch is ideal if you’re looking to step away from the biggest crowds. Find a spot along these open roads and watch the race unfold against a backdrop of wide skies and rolling countryside. 

From the surrounds of this sleepy wee village, you're perfectly situated to explore local heritage attractions nearby including Arniston House and the National Mining Museum. 

Find places to stay along the route 

Explore things to do in Edinburgh and the Lothians 

Discover Edinburgh by bike

Innerleithen and the Tweed Valley – World-class cycling country

Feel the anticipation build as spectators line the roadside and the distant hum of the race begins to grow. As the race pushes deeper into the Scottish Borders, the scenery opens out into quieter, more rural landscapes. Find a spot along the route and feel the anticipation build as crowds gather and the distant hum of the race begins to grow.  Around Innerleithen and the Tweed Valley, you’re in the heart of some of Scotland’s most celebrated riding terrain; a place where forest trails, undulating hills and traffic-free roads lure cyclists from across the UK and beyond. 

This is undoubtedly world-class cycling country. Spend part of the day mountain biking at the 7stanes trail centres, including Glentress Forest and Innerleithen, offering everything from gently meandering beginner routes to adrenaline-pumping technical downhill tracks. 

The Tweed Valley is no stranger to major cycling events either, with many international mountain biking competitions held here over the years – including the Mountain Bike XC event for the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships in 2023 and the Enduro World Series in 2022 – making it a natural backdrop to the world's premier cycling competition. There are many outdoor adventures to be enjoyed in the Tweed Valley, including cycling. But there's also plenty to explore if want to take a break from being in the saddle. Check out Peebles with its excellent food and drink offering, venture inside Traquair House, or pay a visit to the Dawyck Botanic Garden in full bloom.  

Find somewhere to stay nearby 

Learn more about the Scottish Borders  

Plan your own cycling tour of South of Scotland – Scotland Starts Here

Galashiels and Melrose – Classic Borders scenery

The bustling market towns of Galashiels and Melrose are prime spots to soak up the race-day atmosphere. Watch with excitement as the peloton sweeps through one of Stage 1’s key moments – the Côte de Melrose, a short but sharp climb amid the Eildon Hills just outside Melrose. 

Feel the atmosphere build as riders battle for position on the ascent and the race springs into life, with the fight for the first King of the Mountains polka dot jersey getting underway. 

While you’re here, explore Melrose Abbey or head up the Eildon Hills for sweeping views over the surrounding countryside and a unique vantage point of the route below. You can even extend your visit with a ride along the Tweed Cycleway, a scenic route following the River Tweed through the heart of the Borders – perfect for exploring the area at your own pace. 

Find a place to stay in South Scotland – Scotland Starts Here

Hawick and the southern Borders – The final stretch 

Further south, find a spot along the last section of the Scottish route, passing through Hawick and more secluded parts of the Borders, following the border with England near Newcastleton and briefly visiting Dumfries and Galloway before heading south to cross into England. 

This is where the crowds begin to thin and the scenery takes centre stage. If you’re looking for a gentler viewing experience, these quieter roads offer space to watch the race unfold against a backdrop of bucolic hills and big skies.  

Like many towns across the Borders, Hawick and Newcastleton are steeped in textile heritage, with heaps of independent shops, local makers and welcoming places to explore. Newcastleton is also home to the renowned 7stanes mountain biking trails, while nearby Dumfries & Galloway is home to Galloway Forest Park, Scotland’s first Dark Sky Park, as well as miles of walking and cycling routes. 

Take the time to enjoy a coffee or regional delicacy in this charming corner of south Scotland as this high-octane chapter of the Tour de France comes to a close. 

Discover the creative heritage of South Scotland – Scotland Starts Here 

Explore food and drink in South Scotland – Scotland Starts Here