After a successful first season in 2011, East Lancashire Railway’s Rail Ale Trail is returning again this year with a packed calendar of classic and new tours.
Starts on the 18th February, this year’s programme promises to be even bigger and better. Visitors can expect the popular Ramsbottom and Summerseat route and Halloween Pale Ale Tour, as well as new and exciting trails including ‘Beer-n-Boots’, Father’s Day Specials, Chocolate & Beer and behind-the-scenes brewery tours. Further events are to be announced later in the year such as Meet the Brewer and themed tasting sessions.
Joining the dots from station to station and pub to pub, the Rail Ale Trail is a great way of spending a day out with friends or family and visit some genuine local free houses, learn about the areas’ history and of course sample some of the fine ales that are being produced in this part of the country.
A joint project between the East Lancashire Railway and Bury, Rochdale and Rossendale Council, and supported by the European Regional Development Fund, the trail encourages visitors to discover what is on their doorstep by leaving the car at home and join a steam-powered pub crawl through the beautiful Irwell Valley.
For those wanting to do the trail at their own pace, free Rail Ale Trail guides are available at any East Lancashire Railway station, local tourist information centre or to download from www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
The self-guided trail can be followed all year around using East Lancashire Railway’s standard timetables and can be started and finished at any station. Guided tours are available from February until December but pre-booking is essential. Visit www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk to find out more about the tours and dates available.
