To mark International Beer Day today, Trainline is promoting scenic real ale trails nationwide, and the pubs and bars that can be found on them.
“International Beer Day is the perfect excuse to hop aboard a rail ale trail and raise a glass to the brilliant pubs and breweries that we have here in the UK,” said Michael George, UK country director at Trainline.
“From Devon to Dunfermline, there are some breathtaking routes to discover as you go, and we couldn’t be happier to help people reach their drinkable destination!”
Some of the routes
Tarka Line
This famous journey follows the Exeter to Barnstaple railway line in Devon, running alongside the route of the valleys of the rivers Yeo and Taw. The line has linked North and South Devon since 1854 and is packed full of history. Why not pop in to the Corner House pub in Barnstaple, which is famous for its cask ales? Or enjoy a cosy village pub atmosphere in The Old Malt Scoop in Lapford and the Topsham Brewery and Taproom? The Corner House pub is 14 minutes’ walk from Barnstaple station. The Old Mount Scoop is 14 minutes’ walk from Lapford station, and the Topsham Brewery and Taproom 20 minutes’ walk from Exeter Central.
Maritime Line
This rail trail is in Cornwall, with a route that features stop-offs at Truro through to Falmouth Docks. Refreshments can be found by hopping off at Penryn, Penmere, and Perranwell, and popular pubs include The Wig and Pen (Truro) and the Thirsty Scholar (Penryn). The Wig and Pen is eight minutes’ walk from Truro railway station and the Thirsty Scholar is nine minutes’ walk from Penryn station.
Transpennine Rea Ale Trail
This trail offers multiple routes and includes stops in towns like Huddersfield and Staley Bridge. Some of the most popular ones include the Station Buffet Bar at Stalybridge, which is one of the few remaining Victorian buffet bars in the UK. Other highlights include The Riverhead Brewery Tap, in Marsden, home to champion local cask ales from Ossett and Riverhead Brewery, and West Riding in Dewsbury, which is housed in a former waiting room at Dewsbury Railway station. The Riverhead Brewery Tap is only six minutes’ walk from Marsden station. West Riding Refreshment Rooms are less than a minute away from the Dewsbury station platforms, and The Station Buffet Bar is within Stalybridge station as well.
Flitch Line Rail Ale Trail
This Essex route connects pubs along the Witham to Braintree train line, and is a smaller – but no less enjoyable – option for those who want to enjoy some traditional pubs without worrying about how to get home. The Eagle, in Braintree, is a community pub, home to a number of traditional ales, and the grade II listed Cross Keys, in White Notley, dates back to the 1700s. The Eagle is 14 minutes’ walk from Braintree station, and The Cross Keys is just eight minutes’ walk from White Notley railway station.
Ayrshire Rail Ale Trail, Largs to Saltcoats
This option in Scotland will take you through West Kilbride, Androssan South Beach, and Fairlie. Popular options include The Three Reasons, in Largs, which stands opposite Largs Bay Beach, and The Twa Dugs, in West Kilbride, which is an independent pub situated in the heart of Scotland’s Craft Town. The Three Reasons is just four minutes away from Largs station, with the The Twa Dugs four minutes from West Kilbride as well.
Heart of Wales Rail Ale Trail
Along this beautiful and historic 120-mile scenic railway, there is a rail ale trail between Swansea and Shrewsbury. Why not try a local brew at The Kinsley, in Knighton, a family-run pub opposite the station and overlooking the River Teme? You could also try the White Horse pub, in Llandeilo. The White Horse is 11 minutes’ walk from Llandeilo, and The Kinsley is a hop, step, and a jump across from Knighton station.
