Rail Ale tour on right track to success
A local heritage railway is on a mission to help beer fans discover the region whilst trying the very best real ale that the area has to offer.
East Lancashire Railway have seen success in recent years with their ‘Rail Ale’ tours which offers the opportunity to discover the region and its heritage whilst enjoying real ale and ciders from trendy bars to cosy pubs along the railway line. The heritage railway already has over 70 tours planned for the year, with the hope that it will be the most successful year to date.
The tours, which start and finish at Bury Bolton Street Station, are a day out with six hours’ worth of discovering on the 12 mile long line. Each tour is run by two certified guides and often has a specific theme, from St George’s Day specials to ‘Pie and Pints’ days.
Kate Walker, marketing manager at East Lancashire Railway, thinks that the tours are the perfect opportunity to get to know the area better. She said: “There is an awful lot of history and heritage in the area. The area is in the heart of where the industrial revolution took place, so you will see all the mills along the landscape as well as a huge amount of beautiful scenery.
“Being in Lancashire, there are a lot of funny stories which have stood the test of time too. The tours are incredibly popular as the guides give it a tailored finish and we attract locals and those visiting from different parts of the UK as it is something different to do.”
After leaving Bury, the tour takes visitors to the towns of Summerseat, which has some of the very best ale pubs in the region, Ramsbottom, where visitors can explore independent stores and restaurants and Rawtenstall, the most northern point of the railway line.
The guides also take visitors into CAMRA award winning real ale and cider pubs in the region, where people can socialise and discuss heritage and of course, beer.
The Rail Ale tours were created as a way to keep people interested in the railway. Kate said: “We set up the trails as a way to preserve the line. The cost of looking after the railway can be very expensive, so we are always looking for new ways to get visitors in and to generate funds to keep the railway going for future generations.
“It is also a way to encourage people to take an interest in the railway and the tour is promoting all the areas and what the towns have to offer, from a local pub to an independent store.”
The Rail Ale tours take place between February and November. The tours take place every two to three weeks during winter and early spring, before taking place most weekends during the summer months.
