The Grand Depart 2027 (Discover Adventures)
The Grand Depart 2027 (Discover Adventures)
Thursday 1 July 2027
About this event
A UK Grand Départ, for the first time in over a decade. Same roads. Same climbs. One day early. Fully supported. Just turn up and pedal!
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.
Dates: 30 June – 2 July 2027
Payment options
We offer 2 payment methods on this Challenge. These are:
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- Fundraising
- Full Payment
Choose one of these payment options to proceed with your booking.
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- Fundraising: Raise the set fundraising target of £1,200.00 and provided that you send this to your charity 10 weeks prior to the trip departure date your charity will pay the Trip Cost.
- Full Payment: Pay the £600.00 Trip Cost yourself and donate 100% of your fundraising to your chosen charity.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival near Edinburgh
We meet for registration at our 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. (Lunch not included)
Day 2 – Ride Stage One, Edinburgh – Carlisle
Our big day, cycling the route of the 2027 Tour de France, Stage One, Scotland to England! We ride directly from our accommodation onto the route, heading south through Midlothian and the Scottish Borders.
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,
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 our accommodation, where we’ll enjoy a big celebratory evening! Night accommodation.
Cycle approx. 120 miles; Total Ascent approx. 7100ft
NB: We 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. We will do out utmost to ensure any deviations are as enjoyable as the official route.
After breakfast, you’re free to head out onto the route and cheer on the pros! (Lunch not included)
What’s included
- Two night’s accommodation, Edinburgh area
- Parking
- Bike storage
- Carb-loading pre-night dinner & briefing
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks throughout the trip (unless where specified on the itinerary)
- Experienced DA crew (number dependent on group size)
- Full vehicle and mechanic back-up support and equipment
- Medical support
- Bike and rider transfer, finish to Edinburgh
- GPX File & Digital Map
- Finishers’ cycle jersey
- Celebration evening with dinner
What’s not included
- Bike and cycle helmet
- Transport to / from event accommodation
- Travel insurance; covering injury, cancellation/curtailment, lost items etc (optional)
- Any meals specified ‘not included’ on the itinerary
- Personal items such as drinks, extra snacks etc
- Any applicable surcharges as per Terms and Conditions
Accessibility information
Over the years, people with wide-ranging abilities have achieved personal goals on our adventures that they may have previously assumed were out of their reach. We must be aware of any circumstances that may affect your ability to take on the trip, whether you have concerns about fitness, health conditions or disability. This way, we can ensure we are providing the best advice and support. You will be asked to sign a medical declaration upon booking.
“I enjoyed every minute! The location was beautiful, and the challenge was great. Everyone at Discover Adventure was very helpful, reassuring and accommodating of all levels of fitness.
Take on a challenge for SIA with discover adventure
Discover Adventure
Discover Adventure specialises in worldwide cycling and trekking, with fundraising at its heart. Behind their challenging, fun and often life-changing trips is a dedicated team of friendly staff and experienced leaders, who take pride in every participant’s achievements. With over 30 years of experience, their core passions and goals remain the same: to operate safe, fun, adventurous trips which offer extraordinary challenges to ordinary people, while providing a fundraising platform to positively change the lives of others. They have enabled thousands of people to experience unforgettable achievements, while collectively raising over £100 million for worthwhile causes.
