The TransPennine Real Ale Trail is celebrating 200 years of the modern railway

This year marks 200 years of the modern railway, with the Railway 200 campaign coordinating a year of celebrations across the country. While the primary purpose of the railway is, of course, transportation, one of the secondary benefits of the railway was the emergence of the railway pubs that sprang up around stations up and down the network to cater for weary travellers.

These pubs are part of our tradition in the UK and intertwined with the history of the railway itself. Many of these pubs became more than a place for travellers to seek refreshments along their journeys; they became destinations in their own rights and in the north of England in particular, the Real Ale Trail became a popular way to spend an afternoon.

The TransPennine Real Ale Trail celebrates with Railway 200

One such trail is the TransPennine Real Ale Trail that runs between Stalybridge and Batley with 7 pubs along its route in Marsden, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, Mirfield, and Dewsbury. It was even featured on the BBC’s Oz & James Drink to Britain programme back in 2009. To mark Railway 200 the 7 pubs have decided to work together to put on a celebratory Ale Trail Day on 31st October.

While anyone can do their own ale trail along the route whenever they like, the pubs will be laying on a few treats on this day for everyone taking part. This includes a specially brewed ‘Ale Trail Pale’ beer, brewed by Riverhead Brewery Tap, who feature along the trail at Marsden, as well as food and drink special offers.

Perfect for rail enthusiasts and real ale lovers alike

The route can be done in either direction, starting at Stalybridge or Batley (most tend to start at the furthest point and work their way back, for obvious reasons!). All pubs are either on the station platforms themselves or just a few minutes’ walk. A highlight for railway enthusiasts in particular is Stalybridge Buffet Bar, which is one of the few remaining original Victorian buffet bars (and celebrating its 140th anniversary later this year!). It is packed with railway memorabilia and still has its original marble bar.

Of course, all the pubs along the trail are packed with character and their own nods to the railway. The pubs are The Riverhead Brewery Tap at Marsden, The Commercial at Slaithwaite, The King’s Head at Huddersfield, The Navigation Tavern at Mirfield, The West Riding at Dewsbury, and Cellar Bar at Batley.

After many months of disruption to the TransPennine line, due to its extensive upgrade programme, this is a great opportunity to both celebrate the railway anniversary and support the brilliant pubs along the route.

See more about the event here.