QUEEN STAGE: Scottish borders
Overview
Ride the beautiful backroads of the Scottish Borders & take in 90km of Stage One of the 2027 TdF.
Our route starts and finishes in Newcastleton and takes in some stunning roads through wild hills & moorland before winding through the picturesque villages that will witness the Tour in 2027!
- Four cracking climbs from long, gradual ascents to short, sharp walls.
- Ride parts of the Tour before the pros. We take in 90km (long route) or 40km (medium route) of the 2027 Tour 1st stage.
- Enjoy stunning views on quiet backroads in the brilliant Scottish Borders.
Included in Entry
Route Details
Long Route
A beauty of a ride in the Scottish Borders taking in wild roads and 90km of the 2027 TdF Stage One.
The ride starts straight away with a 6km gradual climb as we head west on glorious backroads over wild moors.
We then head north all the way to Innerleithen where we join the 2027 TdF route for the remainder of the ride. The first part of this is relatively flat but expect a spiky 30km through Melrose, Selkirk & Melrose.
Leave something in the legs for the last climb at 155km before a fast descent all the way back to the finish line.
Medium route
The medium route splits from the long route at 62km and misses a couple of climbs and the punchy section around Melrose & Selkirk before rejoining for the final 35km on the TdF route.
Key Climbs
Tinnis Hill
Straight from the gun we hit Tinnis Hill - a long, wild road over the moors with fairly consistent gradients between 3 & 5%. Definitely possible to do in the big ring and one to enjoy with fresh legs.
Crosslee
Another picturesque and relatively gentle climb on the stunning road up to Innerleithen.
The gradients rarely go above 6% so find your rhythm and enjoy the work!
Cote de Melrose
A KOM segment on the 2027 TdF route so an opportunity for you to set a time for the pros to beat next year!
Just outside of Melrose, this climb has a punchy first 200m and then levels out for the final 2km.
Shankend Climb
This is a deceptively tough climb coming 150km into the ride and after a long false flat from Hawick.
The climb proper starts just out of Shankend and has some pitchy sections of 8% plus. The good news - from the top it's downhill almost all the way home!
Event Program
Off the bike
The Scottish Borders is a beautiful region packed with active and cultural things to do. Newcastleton makes a great base for this, over a weekend we recommend:
- Take on a gravel sportive in nearby Kielder Forest from our sister brand The Glorious Gravel
- World class MTB at several centres nearby
- Visit Melrose Abbey
- There are plenty great day hikes in the area (see more HERE)
- Get 18 holes in at the great Newcastleton Golf Course
Checklist for the ride
Make sure you bring the following essentials:
- We recommend getting your bike checked or serviced a couple of weeks before the ride.
- We will send out a tyre guide from Michelin so you know how to setup for the route.
- Our rides go into remote areas so ensure you are self-sufficient with tools / spares for basic roadside repairs & layers if you are stuck by the side of the road
- A personal medical kit including foil blanket is recommended
- Even though the route is fully marked, we ask all riders to have the GPX (we send these out a few days before the ride) on your bike GPS.
- This is not a race so come to enjoy the journey and the company of your fellow riders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Food is Served at the Feed Stops
At all feed stops you will find bananas, waffles, g/f options, gels, bars & water. At most feeds you will also find tea & coffee. At the main (lunch) feed stop, we also have sandwiches & crisps with options for g/f and vegans.
Is There a Minumum Age
No but anyone under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
What Happens if I Can't Make the Ride After I've Booked?
Let us know within one week of the ride and we can transfer your entry to any other 2026 ride.
Where Does the Ride Start / Finish?
This ride starts & finishes in Newcastleton. At the ride village there is a mechanic, cafe & beer at the finish.
Are E-Bikes Allowed?
Yes, our events are open to E-Bikes. provided they are allowed in the UK. Time trial bars are not allowed.
Is There a Cut Off Time
The ride starts at 8am and you need to be back at the finish for 6pm so you need to be able to avg at least 15km/h