Tour de France in Midlothian
Stage one of the Tour de France, the world’s most famous cycle race, will come through Midlothian on Friday 2 July 2027 on the 184 kilometre route between Edinburgh and Carlisle.
The Tour de France attracts more than 12 million in-person spectators across the three-week stage race, with an estimated global television audience of more than 3.5 billion people. The 2027 race is the first time it will travel through Scotland, England and Wales.
The Grand Depart GB Route
High level route information was announced in January 2026.
The stage one route of the men's race follows the A7 through Midlothian from Edinburgh near:
- Melville Dykes / Eskbank
- Bonnyrigg
- Newtongrange.
- Gorebridge
- North Middleton
More details of the route through Midlothian are expected in Autumn 2026 on the official Tour de France website.
Tickets
The Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift are free-to-attend events. However, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will stage and produce the opening ceremony celebration to begin the Grand Départ, including the official Presentation of Riders Ceremony for the 2027 Tour de France, on the early evening of Wednesday 30 June. Tickets will go on general sale on Friday 30 October.
Community engagement and events
To help residents and businesses make the most of the 2027 Tour de France, we will engage with communities along the route between now and July 2027 - providing information and supporting opportunities to maximise the economic and social benefits.
We will share details of engagement drop-ins in coming months and community events to enjoy the day nearer the time.
The Tour de France will launch a business guide by the end of October 2026, including details of Tour de France branding, and a community toolkit in February 2027.
Get Involved
Applications are now closed for 9,000 'Joy Makers', volunteers across Scotland, England and Wales who will help create a welcoming, exciting atmosphere for spectators and support the smooth running of the event.
Anyone aged 16+ could apply by Tuesday 1 September. No prior volunteering experience was necessary. Organisers will respond to those who applied by late 2026
For some of those aged 18-25 who volunteer, there was also an opportunity to get involved in the Readiness to Work Programme which will offer young people a chance to get career-ready with employability skills training and mentoring while being part of a major sporting event.
Spectate
This is a unique opportunity to see the world’s greatest cycle race in your home county. Spectators will be encouraged to walk or cycle to their chosen viewing points, and closer to the event dedicated spectator information will be available with suggested travel, car and bicycle parking information.
Visit Midlothian
From Rosslyn Chapel, made famous in the Da Vinci Code, to the Pentlands, Midlothian has lots to offer visitors and tourists. Come for the cycling and stay for the warm welcome, green spaces and numerous attractions.
Community benefits - The JOY Social Impact Programme
The JOY Social Impact Programme sits at the heart of the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027, ensuring communities benefit from this world-class event with lasting opportunities for people, places and businesses.
What this means for Midlothian
-
Get active
More opportunities for people—especially young people—to take part in cycling and physical activity, including targeted programmes such as girls’ participation. Walking and cycling in Midlothian -
Skills and employability
Training, mentoring and work experience linked to the event, helping young people build confidence and career pathways. This includes the Tour de France Readiness to Work programme, offering 18–25-year-olds who volunteer valuable skills, training and industry insight. -
Schools and learning
Resources and activities to support confidence, teamwork and physical literacy in schools. A Tour de France Digital Schools Programme will launch in autumn 2026. -
Communities and culture
Support for local events, celebrations and creative projects that showcase Midlothian’s identity. -
Local economy
Increased visitors and global attention, supporting local businesses and tourism.When the Tour de France came to Great Britain in 2014, the race generated approximately £130 million for the host region economies (Yorkshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex and London), and was watched at the roadside by 3.5m people, the official event impact review found.
Further details of local opportunities will be shared as the local programme develops.
Road closures, parking, emergency access and changes to services
The Tour de France requires full road closures along the race route to ensure the safety of riders, spectators and event staff. This also allows the official Tour de France publicity caravan to travel ahead of the race.
On Friday 2 July 2027, roads on the race route in Midlothian are expected to be closed for up to eight hours. Emergency vehicles will be able to access the route throughout the event.
Traffic restrictions will also apply on some nearby roads and diversion routes. Parking restrictions will be in place in certain areas.
Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to cross the route at designated locations and times, subject to event safety requirements.
Detailed information on the route, road closures, diversion routes, parking restrictions and access arrangements will be published in late 2026. We will also notify residents well in advance of service changes, such as changes to bin collection days.
Residents and businesses along the route are encouraged to plan ahead. This may include arranging deliveries in advance, allowing extra time for journeys, and considering any appointments or services that could be affected by the closures.
Arrangements will be in place to make sure emergency services have access.
What to expect on the day
The Tour de France will bring one of the world's most prestigious sporting events to Midlothian, creating a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to experience elite international cycling in their local community.
As well as enjoying world-class sport, spectators can look forward to a vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere, with communities coming together to celebrate this historic occasion.
Before the riders pass through, the famous Tour de France Publicity Caravan will travel along the route. The caravan features colourful vehicles, entertainment and promotional activities from Tour partners, helping to create an exciting festival atmosphere for spectators. Free giveaways are often distributed to crowds waiting for the race to arrive.
Race timings
Exact timings for the race have still to be confirmed.
Typically, stages begin between 11am and 2pm and finish between 4pm and 5pm, depending on the length and profile of the stage.
Closer to the event, we will publish detailed timetables showing:
- Race start and finish times
- Estimated times the publicity caravan will pass through each location
- Estimated times riders will reach points along the route
- Information on road closures and access arrangements
Please note that all timings are estimates and may be subject to change on the day. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Tour de France branding
Tour de France branding is strictly managed and policed by the event organisers. Businesses cannot use the Tour de France logo.
Get in touch
For further enquiries about the Tour de France in Midlothian: