Stage 1 will roll out from Edinburgh on Friday 2 July 2027, heading south through Midlothian and the Scottish Borders before passing through approximately 13km of Dumfries and Galloway – entering just south of Newcastleton and exiting south of Canonbie – and finishing in Carlisle.
For a few high‑tempo kilometres, the world’s finest will sweep through Dumfries and Galloway in full flight.
Although Edinburgh was confirmed last year as the start of the opening stage, tonight’s announcement provides the first detailed look at the Scottish route, underlining Scotland’s role in setting the tone for the 2027 Tour de France as it begins three days of racing on UK roads.
Following the opening stage, the men’s peloton will head to Keswick, Liverpool and Welshpool, finishing the UK leg of the world’s largest annual sporting event in Cardiff.
Dumfries and Galloway has a proud recent history of hosting world‑class cycling –including UCI World Championships and Tour of Britain stages – spanning more than two decades.
The region has hosted both one‑day and multi‑day events, with local communities embracing the action and supporting athletes, teams and the wider cycling community.
Dumfries and Galloway also has a long association with the birth of the cycle, thanks to Kirkpatrick MacMillan. A replica of the first modern‑day bicycle is held within the council’s Dumfries Museum, and an active‑travel bridge over the River Nith in Dumfries is named in his honour. That heritage makes the Tour’s brief passage through the region a fitting nod to cycling’s roots.
Dumfries and Galloway Council Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee Chair, Councillor Tracey Little commented:
“Dumfries and Galloway Council is thrilled to be playing a part in the 2027 Tour de France. It is widely regarded as cycling’s premier event and is viewed by millions of people for each kilometre of the race.
“We have a proud history with cycling in our region and this latest chapter of hosting world-class cycling will only add to this.
“Dumfries and Galloway also has strong links with Kirkpatrick MacMillan, who of course built the first ever bicycle as we know it. Our council is looking forward to being part of the action and the social and community benefits that it brings.”
The South of Scotland is establishing itself as Scotland’s leading cycling destination and has been awarded UCI Bike Region status, recognising the region’s commitment to both elite cycling competition and cycling for all.
The vision of the South of Scotland Cycling Partnership, which includes both Dumfries and Galloway Council and Scottish Borders Council, is that by 2032 cycling is embedded into the daily fabric of the lives of residents and experiences of visitors to the region.
To find out more information and keep up-to-date with the Tour de France 2027, please visit letourgb.com