The 2027 Tour de France arrives in the Lake District on Stage 2.
This 223-kilometre journey starts in Keswick and finishes in Liverpool on Saturday, 3 July.
The peloton rolls out from the market town and tackles the fells (that’s what the locals call the hills) and lakes in the first 80 kilometres.
The route features five categorised climbs and some of the most dramatic scenery on the entire stage.
This section stands out for its compact layout. Spectators can reach multiple vantage points with relative ease.
Stage 2 Route Through the Lake District
The stage begins in Keswick at roughly 11:00.
The Lake District section lasts until around 13:30.
From the start, the route heads south on the A591.
It climbs past Castlerigg, runs beside Thirlmere, crosses Dunmail Raise into Grasmere, continues to Rydal Water and Ambleside, skirts Windermere to Bowness, then joins the A5074 through the Lyth Valley before joining the A590.
The five categorised climbs come early. The field is still largely together at the start and more spread out by the time the race reaches the southern end.
Related: Stage 2 of the 2027 Tour de France.
Prime Viewing Locations
Keswick town centre
The stage starts here. The atmosphere builds from early morning with team presentations, the sign-on and the neutralised roll-out.
Position yourself along the high street or near the market square.
You will see the full peloton gather and then surge away.
The crowds add to the occasion, but the wide pavements give everyone a clear view.
This remains the only place on the stage where the entire race converges. It suits families or anyone who wants the full spectacle of the departure.
Castlerigg Brow
Just after the riders leave Keswick, the road rises steadily.
The gradient slows the bunch enough to provide clear, extended views of the jerseys and support vehicles.
Elevated ground on the left-hand side provides a natural grandstand.
It offers panoramic views back towards the town and the surrounding fells.
Arrive on foot or by bike from Keswick to avoid the early road closures.
This helps secure a seat to watch the race unfold below.
A591 beside Thirlmere
The route runs parallel to Thirlmere on a wide, straight stretch near Legburthwaite.
Open fields and the lake create long sightlines.
The peloton appears from a distance and passes at full speed.
The right-hand verge offers the best vantage, with room for chairs and binoculars.
This section works well for seeing the race in one piece before the climbs begin to stretch it out.
The caravan follows closely behind for added colour.
Northern side of Dunmail Raise
Dunmail Raise marks the first significant climb after Thirlmere.
The northern approach features a steady gradient that begins to sort the field.
Gaps open between groups. Stand on the left-hand side near the top for views down the valley.
The road here has good verges and fewer crowds than the villages.
It suits those who prefer a quieter setting and a clear understanding of the stage’s physical demands.
Grasmere village
The route passes straight through the centre of Grasmere. The peloton rolls past the green and the small shops.
Compact streets mean spectators can stand close to the action.
The gentle descent after the village allows riders to regain speed.
Pavements on both sides offer good sightlines. The village atmosphere adds a local feel.
This remains one of the easiest locations to reach on foot from surrounding areas. It works particularly well for families.
Ambleside
Ambleside brings the race into a busy town section alongside Rydal Water.
The road widens here, providing space along the roadside for larger groups.
The flat stretch after the village lets the peloton regroup. Position yourself near the bridge or the main street for views of the bunch in full flow.
The town centre location means facilities are close at hand. The passage through Ambleside often draws a strong local turnout.
Bowness-on-Windermere
As the stage nears the end of the Lake District proper, the route runs along the lakeside at Bowness. The water and the fells form a classic backdrop.
The road offers open views across Windermere. The left-hand side near the promenade provides the best angles.
The peloton passes at speed before the turn onto the A5074. This remains a popular spot, so early arrival helps secure a good position.
Lyth Valley
After Bowness, the route turns onto the A5074 and heads through the Lyth Valley. This quieter rural section contrasts with the busier lakeside towns.
The road winds gently through fields and small orchards. Open views stretch across the valley to the distant fells.
The terrain here is rolling rather than steep. The race often appears in smaller groups or with the breakaway clear.
Verges along the straighter parts near Winster or Crosthwaite give good sightlines and plenty of room to spread out.
This location suits those who want to avoid the larger crowds.
It still shows the race in a distinctly Lake District landscape of green slopes and scattered farmhouses.
The valley setting also allows for easy access from the southern end of the route.
Essential Viewing Tips
Roads close several hours before the first riders appear.
Plan to arrive at the earlier locations by 09:00 at the latest.
Bring a folding chair, binoculars and a portable radio or the official Tour app. These help follow timings and commentary.
Pack layers, sun cream and snacks. The weather can change quickly in July.
Consider walking or cycling to your chosen spot. This bypasses parking restrictions. Check local park-and-ride options where available.
Families benefit from the village centres. Space and facilities are more plentiful there.
Respect the barriers and marshals. Leave no litter behind to help keep the areas clear for everyone.
Related: Tour de France Lake District Accommodation.
Where to Stay On Your Trip to The Lake District
The White Water Hotel occupies a prime riverside position in Backbarrow.
It sits just one mile south of Lake Windermere and is very close to the southern section of the Stage 2 route.
Guests enjoy direct access to the River Leven. Many rooms offer views across the water and the surrounding woodland.
The Cascades Leisure Club & Spa provides a perfect place to relax after a day on the road. It features a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym.
The Riverside Restaurant serves a range of dishes using local produce.
The Dolly Blue Bar offers a relaxed setting for evening drinks and conversation.
With its location at the edge of the Lake District and easy links to the main roads, the hotel forms an ideal base.
It works well for combining Tour de France viewing with further exploration of the region.
Click here to find out more about the Whitewater Hotel…
Final Notes On Watchin Stage 2 of The Tour De France in The Lake District
Stage 2 of the 2027 Tour de France turns the Lake District into a natural amphitheatre for one of the greatest days of cycling on British soil.
From the bustling start in Keswick to the quieter roads of the Lyth Valley, each location brings its own character and vantage point on the race.
The climbs create moments of visible effort. The lakeside sections deliver classic views.
The compact nature of the route allows visitors to experience several aspects in a single day.
Early planning and practical preparation make the difference between a good day and an outstanding one.
The memories last long after the peloton has passed. The 2027 Tour marks a special occasion for the region.
The Lake District section stands ready to deliver a memorable chapter in the race’s long history.
