Tour de France to Begin in Scotland & Wale
The Tour de France will stage its most ambitious British visit yet in 2027, with the men’s race starting in Scotland for the first time and making a maiden stop in Wales, while the women’s edition also begins in the UK. It marks the first time both the men’s and women’s Grands Départs are hosted by the same nation outside of France.
Across six days of racing on UK roads, the men’s Tour will travel through Edinburgh, Carlisle, Keswick, Liverpool, Welshpool and Cardiff. Meanwhile, the Tour de France Femmes will run from Leeds to Manchester and Sheffield, with a finale in central London.
To celebrate the announcement, each host city was illuminated in yellow on Thursday evening.
“A Major National Sporting Moment”
Simon Morton, director of events at UK Sport, said the aim was to deliver a major nationwide event with real impact.
“The route enables us to reach, unite and inspire people across the country—bringing joy to millions, supporting local communities and creating lasting benefits beyond race day,” he said.
The UK last hosted a Grand Départ in 2014, a hugely successful event that attracted an estimated 3.5 million roadside spectators and generated £128 million in economic benefits. British Cycling anticipates up to 10 million spectators for 2027.
Tour director Christian Prudhomme described the UK as a passionate host nation:
“Bringing both Grands Départs here reflects the strength of our partnership and the enthusiasm of the British public.”
Men’s Race Route: From Scotland to Wales
The men’s Tour will begin on Friday 2 July 2027 in Edinburgh, before heading through the Scottish Borders to Carlisle.
Stage two runs from Keswick to Liverpool, while the third stage moves from Welshpool to Cardiff via the Welsh Valleys and features eight climbs in the final 50 miles.
Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan welcomed the announcement:
“Hosting the final UK stage is a major opportunity to showcase Wales’ landscapes and raise our profile as a world-class destination for cyclists and visitors.”
Women’s Race to Close the UK Cycling Festival
Four weeks later, the Tour de France Femmes will begin on 30 July in Leeds. Stage one finishes in Manchester, stage two crosses the Peak District to Sheffield, and the event concludes in London on 1 August with route details still to be confirmed.
Former world champion Lizzie Deignan said the moment was significant for women’s cycling:
“Seeing the women’s Tour grow has been inspiring. This will encourage countless women and girls to get on their bikes.”
British Cycling said the dual Grands Départs could leave a nationwide legacy.
“It’s a once-in-a-generation chance to create a healthier, more connected nation,” CEO Jon Dutton said.
