Cycling is coming home in 2027! For the first time in its history, The Tour de France is coming to Scotland. Even more special, the Grand Départ will see riders heading from Edinburgh through Midlothian, the Scottish Borders, Dumfries & Galloway, to the finish in Carlisle.

It was here in the South of Scotland that the pedal bicycle was invented almost 200 years ago. As the global home of the bike, the region knows how to put on a celebration around all things cycling. So get ready: 3, 2, 1, c’est parti!

Stage 1: Edinburgh to Carlisle

Spectators can look forward to an exhilarating start of the route. Heading south from the capital and through Midlothian, the Tour heads through some of the most scenic parts of the South of Scotland. Expect big celebrations in the cycling-friendly towns of the Tweed Valley, historic backdrops to the King of the Mountains climb in Melrose, and wide-ranging views as the race sweeps past Hermitage Castle and toward the Border.

Find Out More About Le Tour GB

Welcome to the Home of the Bike

The South of Scotland is made for cycling. In 1839, local blacksmith Kirkpatrick Macmillan invented the first treadle bicycle here, and the excitement has never stopped.

The region has established a name for itself in the world of road cycling with quiet and varied routes, attracting major races such as The Tour of Britain.

The 7stanes mountain biking trail centres have played host to the world’s best riders, for training and competitions. And with an extensive network of trails, gravel cyclists have fallen head over heels for the region.

Beyond welcoming the world, riders can look forward to home-grown cycling events that are rated among the best in the world, and a warm, bike-friendly welcome in our communities.

When is the Tour de France coming to the South of Scotland?

The Tour de France is coming to the South of Scotland on the 2nd of July 2027. This will mark the Grand Départ, the first stage of the race.

What will be the route for the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027?

The Grand Départ of the 2027 men’s Tour de France, takes riders from Edinburgh through Midlothian, the Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Galloway to Carlisle. In the Scottish Borders, the race passes through Innerleithen in the Tweed Valley, Galashiels, Melrose, Selkirk, Hawick and Newcastleton. In Dumfries & Galloway, the route passes through Canonbie, before crossing the border to England.

Can I watch the event in the South of Scotland?

Yes, spectators will be able to see the action up close. Further details on spectator areas, recommended view points and local celebrations will be announced in due course.

Is it easy to travel to the South of Scotland for the Tour de France?

There is a wide variety of options for traveling to the South of Scotland for the Tour de France. Spectators can take the Borders Railway from Edinburgh Waverley to Galashiels or Tweedbank for access to Melrose and surrounding towns. Regular bike-friendly bus services link Edinburgh to the Tweed Valley. With a network of active travel paths, it’s also possible to cycle to the region.