Tour de France unveils route for Scottish stage
The official route of the opening stage of the Tour de France in 2027, known as the Grand Depart, has been revealed with the event starting in Edinburgh on Friday 2nd July.
Article Source: Tour de France
Last Updated: 16 January 2026 10:03
The start and finish locations for the 2027 Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift have been unveiled, as the ten host cities and towns were illuminated simultaneously in a nationwide “Tour de Skies” moment, marking the next major milestone on the road to the historic Grand Départs, which will be the largest free sporting spectacle in British history.
The announcement also reveals the full UK route for the men’s event, and Leeds as the start location for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, on Friday 30 July 2027, 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.
The men’s Tour de France will begin in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July 2027, with an opening stage heading to Carlisle, before visiting Keswick, Liverpool and Welshpool, finishing the UK leg of the world’s biggest annual sporting event in Cardiff.
To celebrate the moment, all 10 start and finish venues were lit up simultaneously, with a yellow beam illuminating the sky, with prominent locations providing a stunning backdrop.
From the castles of Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Powis, to the Moot Hall in Keswick, across the iconic Liverpool waterfront and the London skyline, the coordinated yellow beams celebrated each region’s role in welcoming the Grand Départ while uniting the UK in one national moment of anticipation ahead of 2027.
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.
Christian Prudhomme, Director, Tour de France (ASO) said:“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.”
John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland said: “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.”
Social Impact
Alongside the route announcement, organisers also revealed Joy, the social impact programme at the heart of the 2027 Grand Départ, that aims to tackle inactivity and improve mental wellbeing, support communities to thrive, and to make Britain more productive and prosperous.
Six core programmes will be rolled out across the home nations, with organisers working collaboratively 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, and to showcase community culture through the voices of Britain.
Additionally, British Cycling will look to recruit more than 7,000 volunteers for the Grand Départ, inviting people across the UK 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, with more details to be announced when the programme is launched in the spring.
To find out more information and keep up-to-date with the 2027 Grand Départs, please visit www.letourgb.com
Sponsored Links
Latest Lanarkshire News
New Scotland Match Day Village announced for World Cup 2026
A brand-new 1600-capacity fanzone has been announced for Scotland's World Cup games, bringing a festival-style event to East Kilbride for an unforgettable matchday experience!
READ MORE
Big screen family fun lands at Vue this February half term
With a fantastic roster of brand-new blockbusters and familiar favourites, there's plenty for the whole family to enjoy at Vue this Scottish half term!
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland marks major milestone for its Scottish Sport Fund
Aldi Scotland has marked a major milestone for its Scottish Sport Fund, reaching £500,000 in donations after ten years of supporting grassroots sports clubs across the country.
READ MORE
Love is in the air as the biggest wedding showcase in Scotland returns this weekend!
The ever-popular Scottish Wedding Show returns to Glasgow this Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th February, bringing together thousands of happy couples for a loved-up weekend of wedding planning fun!
READ MORE
Pioneering street dance collective THREE60 take their work on tour across Scotland
This Spring, pioneering street dance collective THREE60 are taking their bold and highly energetic show World’s Evolution on tour across Scotland.
READ MORE
Easter fun at the Alona Hotel
The four-star Alona Hotel in Strathclyde Park is to host an Easter children’s special show, Ms R and Friends, on Sunday 12 April.
READ MORE
Top 10 family days and dining deals to enjoy in Scotland this February half term
From the World of Illusions to dazzling jellyfish lanterns, Scotland is packed with unforgettable adventures for the whole family to enjoy!
READ MORE
Des Clarke brings new comedy show, Life After Des, to Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow
After more than a decade away from touring (yes, ten full years), Des Clarke is back where he belongs... under the lights, mic in hand, oversharing for your entertainment.
READ MORE
Half term savings at Dobbies
Families looking for great-value half-term days out will find plenty to enjoy at Dobbies Garden Centres this February.
READ MORE
The fastest growing multi arts festival in Scotland returns for 2026
Kelburn Garden Party returns this July to the enchanted grounds of Kelburn Castle in Scotland, celebrating its 16th year of music, art, nature and adventure!
READ MORE
Commonwealth nations confirmed for 3x3 Basketball at Glasgow 2026
Glasgow 2026 has confirmed the nations set to compete in the 3x3 Basketball competition at this summer's Commonwealth Games.
READ MORE
February events at New Lanark promise chills and romance
New Lanark UNESCO World Heritage Site is set to deliver an exciting and atmospheric programme of events this February, offering something for both thrill-seekers and romantics alike.
READ MORE
The Scottish Motorhome, Caravan and Holiday Home Show: Everything You Need To Know
With up to 200 exhibitors showcasing everything from motorhomes to boats, e-bikes, tents and awnings, this year’s show has something for every type of adventure.
READ MORE
Dobbies launches Easter events with fun for families and four legged friends
Dobbies is inviting families and pets to join the Easter fun, with a fantastic selection of events to enjoy!
READ MORE
Record breaking Celtic Connections delivers message of hope and unity to the world
Celtic Connections has celebrated a stunning festival packed with live performances, record-breaking ticket sales and unique events!
READ MORE
Give mum a meaningful day at Dobbies
This Mother's Day, treat mum to a special experience at Dobbies Garden Centres, one that she'll cherish long after the day itself.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble set for Spring string quartet tour
Scottish Ensemble's first tour of 2026 will see luminous string quartet performances bringing the first light of Spring to venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
Aldi giving away vouchers every week to new parents with return of Mamia New Parent Fund
Aldi commits to supporting families with the return of its Mamia New Parent Fund for 2026, following the success of the programme last year, which saw thousands of parents apply.
READ MORE
A brand new international theatre show, dedicated to the music of Cher, is coming to Scotland
Rachael Hawnt, the winner of ITV's Starstruck, is leading a brand-new theatre show celebrating the incredible music of Cher.
READ MORE
Entries go live for Scottish Golf events season
Scottish Golf is excited to build on a successful 2025 championship season as entries go ‘live’ for a wide-ranging 2026 calendar of events.
READ MORE
itison launches itison Now, a new instant dining service
itison has launched itison Now, a new dining service that lets members enjoy 50% off food at some of the best restaurants in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
READ MORE
BBC Debate Night Comes to New Lanark
New Lanark World Heritage Site is delighted to announce that BBC Debate Night will be filmed at the World Heritage Site on Wednesday 4th February.
READ MORE
Wonder Fools return to The Events by David Greig
Wonder Fools, in association with Cumbernauld Theatre, will tour their new staging of David Greig's modern classic The Events across Scotland next month.
READ MORE
Scotland... the wait is over
After years of passionate requests, capital-letter enthusiasm and a steady stream of “BRU??” in their DMs, IRN-BRU has finally arrived at Cineworld Scotland.
READ MORE
Enjoy valentine and galentine days at M&Ds
If you're looking for a fun date night with your Valentine or a great time out with your pals for Galentine's Day, then head to M&D's Scotland's Theme Park!
READ MORE
Five unique Valentine experiences to enjoy across Scotland
With Valentine's Day falling on a Saturday this year, couples have the perfect excuse to celebrate with experiences rather than traditional gifts.
READ MORE
DF Concerts summer events generate 164.5million for Scottish economy
DF Concerts has today announced that its programme of summer 2025 live music events generated £164.6 million in total economic impact for Scotland.
READ MORE
The Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition returns
The official glass for whisky, the Glencairn Glass, is once again raising a toast to crime fiction with the return of its popular annual Crime Short Story Competition.
READ MORE
Over half of British holidaymakers to opt for touring holiday over flights abroad in 2026
Survey of 2,000 UK holidaymakers commissioned by Scotland's largest touring and holiday home show reveals shift in UK's holiday of choice.
READ MORE
Adoption event offers residents in Greater Glasgow the chance to change a life
A series of relaxed, no commitment, information events are being held by Kibble, a national children’s charity, for individuals and couples keen to explore adoption.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links