The opening stage will begin on Friday, July 2 in Edinburgh, where cyclists will then make their way through Midlothian.
19:58, 15 Jan 2026Updated 19:58, 15 Jan 2026
The competitors will set off from Edinburgh and cycle through Midlothian(Image: ASO)
Midlothian is set to welcome the Tour de France next year as they cycle their way through the area during the Grand Depart. The 2027 sporting event is set to kick off in Edinburgh, but the full route of the opening stage has revealed that competitors will set off in the city, and make their way through Midlothian.
The opening stage will begin on Friday, July 2 in Edinburgh, where cyclists will then make their way through Midlothian, the Scottish Borders - tackling the day’s only categorised climb on the Côte de Melrose in the Eildon Hills - before crossing the border and finishing in Carlisle, outside the city’s medieval castle.
While the location of the Grand Depart was announced last year, the reveal on Thursday, January 15 has given the first detailed look at the Scottish route.
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 Départs.
John Swinney, the First Minister said: “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.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase some of the best of Scotland to millions of cycling fans around the world, whether they are watching from home or joining the many people here who will have the opportunity to see some of the world’s finest athletes competing on the streets of their towns and villages.”