The Tour de France 2027 starts in the UK. The Grand Depart, the opening days of the world's biggest bike race, runs over three stages from Friday 2 July to Sunday 4 July 2027: Edinburgh to Carlisle, Keswick to Liverpool, and Welshpool to Cardiff. The third stage starts here in Mid Wales and crosses Powys and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) on its way to the Welsh capital. This guide covers the route of every UK stage, with the official maps, and shows you how to see the race in Mid Wales.
Coming for the Welsh stage? Rooms in Welshpool and along the route will sell out for the weekend of 3 and 4 July 2027. Book your Tour de France accommodation in Mid Wales now.
What are the Tour de France 2027 UK stages?
- Stage 1, Friday 2 July: Edinburgh to Carlisle, 184km, flat
- Stage 2, Saturday 3 July: Keswick to Liverpool, 223km, hilly
- Stage 3, Sunday 4 July: Welshpool to Cardiff, 223km, hilly
After the third stage the race transfers to France. The Tour de France Femmes also starts in England at the end of the month (see below).
Stage 1: Edinburgh to Carlisle, Friday 2 July 2027

The 2027 Tour opens in the Scottish capital with a 184km stage for the sprinters. The route heads south through Midlothian and over the Scottish Borders by Galashiels, Melrose, with a categorised climb, Selkirk and Hawick. It then follows Liddesdale through Newcastleton to the English border and finishes in Carlisle, close to Carlisle Castle. Expect a bunch sprint and the first yellow jersey of the race. For viewing spots and events in Scotland, see VisitScotland.
Stage 2: Keswick to Liverpool, Saturday 3 July 2027

Day two starts in Keswick and runs south through the heart of the Lake District, past Thirlmere, Grasmere and Windermere. It then skirts Morecambe Bay and passes through Lancaster before five categorised climbs on the edge of the Pennines, including the Trough of Bowland and Waddington Fell. The stage is 223km long and finishes on The Strand on the Liverpool waterfront. See Visit Lake District and Visit Liverpool for more on watching in Cumbria and Liverpool.
Stage 3: Welshpool to Cardiff, Sunday 4 July 2027

The Welsh stage is 223km of hilly roads and the first big test of the race. It's also the first time the Tour de France has started a stage in Mid Wales. The riders roll out of Welshpool and head south down the Severn valley by Garthmyl to Newtown. From there they climb over Dolfor into the Radnorshire hills, through Llanbadarn Fynydd, Llanbister and Llanddewi, to the Victorian spa town of Llandrindod Wells. The route crosses the Wye at Builth Wells, climbs onto Mynydd Epynt and drops into Brecon. It then crosses Bannau Brycheiniog by Libanus before heading into the south Wales valleys, with climbs at Maerdy, the Rhigos and Penrhys, then Gelligaer, Hengoed and Caerphilly before the finish in Cardiff. There are eight categorised climbs in all, so the race could easily split before the riders reach the capital.
Read our full guide to the Tour de France 2027 in Mid Wales for more on the Welsh stage.
Where to watch the Tour de France in Mid Wales
- Welshpool, the start. Team buses, the riders signing on and the ceremonial start. It will be the busiest place in Mid Wales that morning, and the best spot to see the riders up close. See things to do in Welshpool to make a weekend of it.
- Garthmyl, Newtown and the Severn valley. The first kilometres follow the valley, with plenty of roadside space and fewer crowds than the start. Explore North Powys.
- Dolfor and the Radnorshire hills. A climb slows the riders down, so you'll see them for longer. The hill roads south of Newtown and around Llanbister give big views across open country.
- Llandrindod Wells and Builth Wells. Wide streets, cafes and pubs, and the Heart of Wales railway line for getting there without a car. See Central Powys.
- Mynydd Epynt and Brecon. The Epynt climb and the run into Brecon are among the most scenic parts of the stage, with the peaks of Bannau Brycheiniog ahead.
Where to stay for the Welsh stage
Stay on Saturday 3 July and you can be at the roadside early on Sunday morning, without the drive. Welshpool has historic coaching inns such as the Royal Oak Hotel and Westwood Park Hotel, and Hurdley House in nearby Montgomery sleeps up to eight. Further down the route, look for B&Bs and inns in Llandrindod Wells, such as The Bell Country Inn, and farm stays and cottages around Builth Wells and Brecon. Cycling clubs and large groups should look at our group accommodation.
See all places to stay for the Tour de France 2027, or browse by area: North Powys, Central Powys and Bannau Brycheiniog.
Where to eat on race weekend
In Welshpool, Tastes of Wales is a tearoom using Welsh produce, and the Royal Oak Hotel has a restaurant and bar. Near Newtown, The Bull and Heifer at Bettws Cedewain is a country pub known for local game and grills. In Llandrindod Wells, The Bell Country Inn serves meals made with local ingredients. Book tables ahead, as pubs along the route will be busy all weekend. Find more pubs in Mid Wales and places to eat.
Ride the route yourself
Many riders will want to ride the stage before the pros. Our guide to riding the Tour de France route in Mid Wales covers the Welshpool to Brecon section, with quieter lanes alongside the main roads. For more road rides, trails and mountain biking, see cycling in Mid Wales, or follow our Tour de France weekend itinerary.
Tour de France Femmes 2027
The women's race also starts in England in 2027. The Tour de France Femmes begins on Friday 30 July with a stage from Leeds to Manchester, followed by a stage to Sheffield through the Peak District and then a stage in London.
Can I follow all three stages of the Grand Depart?
Yes. The three stages run on consecutive days and the start towns are a few hours apart by road or rail, so you can follow the whole Grand Depart. Watch in Edinburgh or the Scottish Borders on Friday, the Lake District on Saturday, then travel to Mid Wales on Saturday evening for the Welshpool start on Sunday. Welshpool is about two hours from Liverpool by car, and on the Cambrian railway line from Shrewsbury and Birmingham.
The Sunday stage is the one most likely to sell out, as Welshpool and the towns on the route are small. Book your Mid Wales accommodation now for 3 and 4 July 2027: find places to stay for the Tour. You could also stay on afterwards and make it a weekend break.
Practical information for race day
- Is the Tour de France free to watch? Yes. Watching from the roadside is free anywhere on the route.
- Road closures: roads on the route close several hours before the race arrives and reopen after it has passed. Check closure times with the local council nearer the date, and plan to arrive early.
- Publicity caravan: a parade of decorated floats comes through ahead of the riders, usually an hour or two before them, handing out freebies.
- Travel: the train is likely to be easier than driving. Welshpool and Newtown are on the Cambrian Line, and Llandrindod Wells and Builth Road are on the Heart of Wales Line.
- What to bring: food, water, something to sit on and a waterproof. Shops and cafes along the route will be busy.
Ready to plan your trip? Book a place to stay for the Tour de France 2027 in Mid Wales, or browse the places to stay in Powys below.