Ale trail returns to East Lancashire Railway as drinkers invited to taste best of Irwell Valley

All aboard and bottoms up, real ale has returned to the East Lancashire Railway.

Ales On The Rails is a hop-on-hop-off route, stopping at some of the oldest and most popular pubs in the Irwell Valley. Passengers can once again chug their way through the lush valleys and pretty villages along the historic line.

This year's first event kicked off from Bury Bolton Street station on Saturday (April 20). And ale lovers are invited to join an expert tour guide as they delve into the history, heritage and hops for the next event on May 18.

Attendees can also navigate local trails and ascending hills with the new Hike for your Hops excursion. Lovers of the great outdoors, will board the train and then venture deep into the Irwell Valley accompanied by an expert tour guide.

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Every tour is different (though they all begin at Bury Bolton Street Station), so be sure to check how much walking you'll be doing before you book.

Mike Kelly, Chairman of East Lancashire Railway, said: “The unique experience of the Rail Ale Trail has always been a hit with our customers, and we're eager to introduce the exciting new 'Hike for your Hops' experience.

“Get ready for a cultural adventure like no other, don’t miss out!”

An Ales on the Rails trip includes:

• A trip on the train accompanied by your expert tour guide. You will board and alight at various stops where your guide will point out landmarks and share stories about each location.

• A stop for a pub lunch with half a pint of beer. Lunch is a set meal so please advise if you have dietary needs.

• A bottle of local beer on the train (all other drinks must be purchased yourself).

• A twenty minute walk. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing.

Hike for your Hops trip includes:

• A trip on the train accompanied by your expert tour guide. You will board and alight at various stops where your guide will point out landmarks and share stories about each location.

• A mid-morning coffee stop or a bottle of beer on board the train (varies per tour, all other drinks aside from half with lunch must be purchased yourself).

• A stop for a pub lunch with half a pint of beer. Lunch is a set meal so please advise if you have dietary needs.

• An extended walk along pavements, rough terrain, in woodland and up and down hills. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing.

With dates running up until the end of September, tickets are available to book HERE. For more information including the grading of each tour, visit the East Lancashire Railway website.