Cycle the 2027 Tour Start - Guided

Start your journey with a ride through the picturesque Scottish Borders, most likely the destination for Stage 1. The Borders region is a cyclist’s paradise, offering a mix of undulating hills, dramatic valleys, and quiet country lanes. Enjoy the thrill of winding roads through the Tweed Valley, famous for its smooth tarmac and stunning river views. Tackle classic climbs like Paddy Slacks and Witchy Knowe, or ride through the vast heather-covered moorlands with breathtaking panoramic views. Along the way, we’ll pass through charming market towns such as Peebles, known for its cycling-friendly atmosphere, and Melrose, home to the stunning Melrose Abbey. For those seeking a taste of history, Traquair House, Scotland’s oldest continuously inhabited home, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. We’ll stay at the iconic Peebles Hydro, a haven for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts alike, providing the perfect place to relax after an exhilarating day on the bike.

Accommodation for night 1: Peebles Hydro

Crossing into England, we’ll ride along the historic English-Scottish border. Depending on the final route of the 2027 race, we may explore Hadrian’s Wall, the ancient Roman defence, stretching across northern England from Carlisle to Newcastle Upon-Tyne, with key sites such as Housesteads Roman Fort and Sycamore Gap. Alternatively, a ride through the enchanting Kielder Forest in Northumberland offers a mix of terrain, from smooth road cycling routes to gravel trails winding through dense woodland. The remote and peaceful setting makes it a dream destination for cyclists, with little traffic and only the sounds of nature accompanying your ride. For those looking for more of a challenge, the forest’s rolling hills and long climbs reward riders with spectacular panoramas. This area is also a renowned stargazing spot with the national park holding dark sky status, making it an unforgettable place to explore. Another option is the Northumberland Castles Route, taking in the dramatic Bamburgh Castle, the tidal island of Lindisfarne, and the fairy-tale-like Alnwick Castle, famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films.

Accommodation for night 2: Farlam Hall

We make our way to Yorkshire and its legendary climbs, including Buttertubs Pass, etched into the history of this race from Stage 1 of the 2014 big start. Followers of the Tour may recall the popular German barouder Jens Voigt summiting the climb, which had been renamed the Côte de Buttertubs, in first position. As the 2014 peloton rode onto Harrogate, where a crash took out local favourite Mark Cavendish, leaving Marcel Kittel virtually unopposed to snare the first leader’s jersey of the race, we’ll head to the legendary climb of Fleet Moss. The highest road in Yorkshire, and one which has humbled many seasoned riders, is a climb which averages 5.6% over some 4 miles. Throughout the day, experience the unrivalled beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, whether it’s the lush green valleys, iconic dry-stone walls, the meandering rivers, or the timeless charm of its villages.  Your overnight stay in Hawes is a perfect retreat after a thrilling day in the saddle.

Accommodation for night 3: The Stonehouse

Today is our very own rest day. After a transfer from Yorkshire, our base for today is Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Explore Shakespeare’s childhood home, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and the stunning Holy Trinity Church. Just like the riders on the French grand tour, there’s still a chance to spin your legs with a loop from your hotel. Our suggested route takes you along a car-free old railway line to the Cotswolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Come the evening, choose from a veritable selection of dining options or even take in a performance at the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Accommodation for night 4: Hotel Indigo

After a morning transfer, we enter our third country of the tour – Wales. The riding along the Anglo-Welsh border is wonderful rolling terrain, quiet lanes, and proper views. A perfect mix of low-traffic backroads, varied elevation, and scenery that flips between lush river valleys, ancient woodlands, and open hilltop moorlands. The area is dotted with café stops and market towns (such as Hay on Wye – “The Town of Books”) that feel made for saddle-weary legs. On your penultimate night, our pedals stop turning at the historic Llangoed Hall Hotel, a historic venue for our final meal together as a group.

Accommodation for night 5: Llangoed Hall Hotel

Leaving the small market town of Abergavenny behind, we pedal to the Clydach Gorge, a wooded valley containing caves, waterfalls, old railway lines and a fast-flowing river. From there, we continue south, summiting the popular climb, Y Tymbol (The Tumble), a frequent addition to the route of the annual Tour of Britain. With a few hairpins along the way, this 8% climb is the perfect bookend to your trip. As the 2027 peloton rides on to the busier confines of Wales’ capital city, we transfer to Cardiff, where your tour ends in early afternoon. Cardiff Railway Station has frequent trains to London Paddington, linking the Welsh capital with the English capital in around 2 hours.