The Grand Départ 2027 - Edinburgh to Carlisle 120 Mile Cycle

About the Challenge

In July 2027, the Grand Depart of the 114th Tour de France comes to the UK for the first time since 2014! And you can cycle the opening stage the day before the professionals race it!

Cycling the route of a Tour de France stage – one of the biggest and most gruelling sporting events in the world – is a fantastic achievement, and it’s very rare to be able to do it on British roads. Tackle this long day in the saddle with our experienced cycle-challenge support team, and enjoy the atmosphere building up in the towns and villages as you ride. This is the closest most of us will get to feeling like we’re part of the world’s most famous bike race.

With two nights’ accommodation, and a transfer back to the start-point for a big celebration, we make the rest of the experience as convenient as possible for you – and leave you perfectly positioned to watch the pros the next day!

Itinerary

Day 1: 30th June 2027
Meet for registration at the accommodation, a few miles east of Edinburgh city centre. Allow time to prep your bike and kit, so you’re all set up for tomorrow’s big day. Mechanics will be on hand to help if you need it. After a thorough trip briefing and dinner, you’re free to rest. Night accommodation.

Day 2: 1st July 2027
The Big Day! Cycling the route of the 2027 Tour de France, Stage One, Scotland to England! You’ll ride directly from our accommodation onto the route, heading south through Midlothian and the Scottish Borders. We follow the Tweed Valley, known for its salmon-fishing, before riding through beautiful rolling landscapes en route to Galashiels. The only categorised climb (Cat 4) comes soon after – over 2 miles long and an average gradient of 6.7%; this has been used frequently in the Tour of Britain. Now dubbed the Côte de Melrose, this climb will decide the first polka-dot jersey wearer of the 2027 Tour de France – feel free to be proud of your own ‘King of the Mountains’ moment as you watch the race’s TV footage later!

It’s not the only climb of the day – don’t be deceived by the ‘Flat’ terminology of the Tour – but other hills are not steep or long enough to be categorised. After climbing out of Hawick, however, the terrain does become predominantly flat; we head to the border with England, and soon come to Carlisle – you may not have the legs for a sprint, but you’ll feel like a champion as you ride through our finish line! We then head back to the accommodation, where we’ll enjoy a big celebratory evening! Night accommodation.

Cycle approx. 120 miles; Total Ascent approx. 7100ft

NB: The organisers endeavour to follow the route as closely as possible, but there may be deviations due to early road closures, one-way restrictions, and safety assessments on the day. They will do their utmost to ensure any deviations are as enjoyable as the official route.

Day 3: 2nd July 2027
After breakfast, you’re free to head out onto the route and cheer on the pros!

This Cycle Challenge is organised by Discover Adventure

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