Devon & Cornwall Rail Ale Trails – Scenic Train Pub Adventures

Imagine riding a countryside train through Devon and Cornwall’s rolling hills and coastal valleys, hopping off at quaint rural stations and strolling into a character-filled pub for a perfectly poured pint of local ale. Welcome to the Devon and Cornwall Rail Ale Trails – an unforgettable combination of real ale, scenic train journeys, and historic pubs. These trails are a dream come true for beer enthusiasts and travel lovers alike, offering a car-free adventure where the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.

What Are the Devon & Cornwall Rail Ale Trails?

The Rail Ale Trails are a series of self-guided pub trails along rural branch railway lines in Devon and Cornwall. They were created to encourage exploration of these scenic routes while supporting local pubs and breweries. The concept is simple:

1. Travel by Train: Ride one of six scenic branch lines in Devon and Cornwall. Let the train be your designated driver as you enjoy beautiful countryside and coastal views.

2. Pub Hop at Stations: Hop off at various branch line stations to visit nearby pubs – many just a short walk from the platform. Each pub on the trail offers a warm West Country welcome.

3. Enjoy Local Ales: Savour real ales brewed in the region – from Cornwall’s famous breweries like St Austell and Sharp’s, to Devon’s craft brews from Dartmoor Brewery and more. Many pubs feature locally brewed cask ales and delicious regional food.

4. Collect Stamps: At each participating pub, show your train ticket and collect a stamp on your Rail Ale Trail card or booklet. It’s a fun challenge to mark your progress.

5. Earn a Reward: Once you’ve collected enough stamps (usually 10 stamps per trail), you can send in your completed card to claim a free Rail Ale Trail T-shirt – a souvenir of your ale-fueled adventure!

This initiative is supported by the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership and often backed by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) to promote sustainable tourism and boost the local economy. Since the first trail launched in 2002, the Rail Ale Trails have generated nearly 50,000 pub visits, helping many rural pubs thrive. In the words of one pub landlord, “The Rail Ale Trail has definitely been good for business – it brings groups here that wouldn’t have come otherwise.” For travellers, the appeal is clear: no driving required, just sit back on the train and enjoy pub after pub of excellent ale, scenery, and West Country charm.

Tarka Line Rail Ale Trail (Exeter to Barnstaple)

Route: Exeter St Davids ➝ Barnstaple (approximately 39 miles through North Devon).
Scenery: Rolling green countryside following the River Taw, passing through market towns and woodlands. Keep an eye out for otters and kingfishers along the riverbanks on this tranquil ride.

Notable Pubs:

• The Rising Sun (Umberleigh) – A traditional country inn just 3 minutes from Umberleigh station. It’s known for well-kept local ales and hearty home-cooked food, with an idyllic beer garden by the River Taw.

• The Golden Lion Tap (Barnstaple) – A historic pub in Barnstaple’s town centre, about 10 minutes’ walk from the station. It serves real ales from the nearby Country Life Brewery, with different brews rotating weekly, so you can always try something local.

Scenic Highlights:

• Barnstaple Pannier Market – One of England’s oldest markets in Barnstaple. If you end your trail here, take a stroll through this covered market (established in 1855) for local crafts and produce.

• River Taw Valley – Much of the journey traces the River Taw. Enjoy peaceful river views from the train; at times you might spot wildlife or see fly-fishermen casting in the water. The stretch near Eggesford is especially picturesque, with dense woods and the river weaving alongside the tracks.

Local tip: If you find Exeter Brewery’s “Avocet” ale on tap at a trail pub, give it a try. This organic golden ale is a Devon favourite – light, refreshing, and the perfect pint to pair with a countryside view.

Tamar Valley Line Rail Ale Trail (Plymouth to Gunnislake)

Route: Plymouth ➝ Gunnislake (crossing from Devon into Cornwall’s Tamar Valley).
Scenery: Lush valleys and wooded hills, featuring the stunning Calstock Viaduct over the Tamar River. This 1907-built viaduct is the star of the line – the train slows as you glide 120 feet above the water, offering breath-taking views of the valley. Much of the route lies within the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, known for its pastoral landscapes and mining heritage.

Notable Pubs:

• The Rising Sun Inn (Gunnislake) – A cosy village pub near Gunnislake station with a beer garden overlooking the Tamar Valley. It’s a welcoming spot to finish the trail, offering local ales (often including brews from Dartmoor Brewery) and classic pub meals. The views from the garden really remind you why this valley is an AONB.

• The Dolphin Hotel (Plymouth) – Start your journey in Plymouth with a pint at this historic Barbican waterfront pub. The Dolphin isn’t on the branch line itself, but it’s a short hop from Plymouth station and famed for its traditional atmosphere – it pours Bass straight from the barrel in the old-fashioned way. It’s a taste of Plymouth’s rich pub heritage before heading up-country.

Scenic Highlights:

• Calstock Viaduct & Riverside – When the train stops at Calstock, hop off to admire the viaduct’s architecture and maybe visit a riverside pub there (Calstock village has a lovely inn by the water). The 12-arched viaduct framing the Tamar River is a perfect photo spot, especially at sunset.

• Cotehele House – If time permits, Cotehele (a National Trust Tudor manor) is a short taxi or bus ride from Calstock station. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodland by the river, it’s a worthy detour for history lovers.

• Mining Heritage – The Tamar Valley was once a bustling mining district. From the train you might glimpse old mine chimneys or quarries. At Gunnislake, there are heritage interpretation boards about the area’s tin and copper mining past.

Fun fact: The Tamar Valley Line trail launched in 2004 and features 17 pubs, including classic city pubs in Plymouth and rural gems in villages like Bere Ferrers and Calstock. It’s truly a mix of urban pub culture and country charm on one line.

Looe Valley Line Rail Ale Trail (Liskeard to Looe)

Route: Liskeard ➝ Looe (a short but sweet branch line in Cornwall, following the Looe River estuary).
Scenery: Gorgeous estuary views as the train winds along the tidal Looe River. At high tide, the water comes right up to the tracks on this single-track line, almost giving the feeling of train-on-sea. The ride ends in the seaside town of Looe, known for its fishing harbour, sandy beach, and quaint whitewashed cottages.

Notable Pubs:

• The Globe Inn (West Looe) – A 16th-century pub just across the bridge in West Looe. It’s famed for its fresh local seafood (you might time your visit for lunch here) and well-kept Cornish ales on tap (look for St Austell Brewery favourites like Tribute or Proper Job). The old-world charm and low-beamed ceilings make it a must-visit.

• The Ship Inn (East Looe) – One of the oldest pubs in Looe, steeped in smuggling history. The Ship sits near the harbour front, offering a snug bar and a great selection of local ales and ciders. Enjoy your pint in this characterful inn as you imagine the town’s piratical past – the pub walls are lined with maritime memorabilia.

Scenic Highlights:

• Looe Harbour & Beach – Step off the train at Looe and you’re moments from the bustling harbour. Fishing boats come and go with the tide, and you can often buy crab or fresh fish straight from the quay. A short walk from the station leads to Looe’s sandy beach and pier – perfect for a seaside stroll with an ice cream (or a Cornish pasty and pint!).

• Estuary Wildlife – The Looe estuary is a haven for birds. Look out for egrets and herons feeding in the shallows as you ride the train, especially during low tide. If you’re a nature lover, consider hopping off at one of the tiny halts like Causeland and walking a bit for birdwatching opportunities along the river.

• Coastal Walks: From Looe, you can join the South West Coast Path for a post-pint walk. A short hike up to Hannafore Point (West Looe) offers panoramic views back over Looe Bay and even to St George’s Island offshore. It’s a great way to cap off the day, letting you digest both scenery and ale.

Local tip: Many pubs in Looe serve Cornish real ales. Keep an eye out for St Austell Brewery classics and smaller Cornish craft brews. A pint of Proper Job IPA or Tribute Ale while sitting by Looe’s harbour is about as Cornwall as it gets – a true taste of the seaside.

Maritime Line Rail Ale Trail (Truro to Falmouth)

Route: Truro ➝ Falmouth Docks (connecting Cornwall’s county town with its famous port).
Scenery: A mix of history and coast. Starting in Truro with its cobbled streets and cathedral spire, the line heads south through rural stops like Perranwell before arriving in Falmouth on the Fal Estuary. Expect views of creekside woodlands, sailing boats on the water, and eventually the busy Falmouth Harbour with its bobbing yachts and seaside atmosphere.

Notable Pubs:

• The ‘Front (Falmouth) – A legendary harbourside ale pub located on Custom House Quay. The 'Front (short for Waterfront Bar & Brewery) is beloved by real ale fans for its ever-changing selection of cask ales and craft beers (often 10+ on tap). Grab a pint and sit outside by the quayside – it’s the perfect spot to watch boats while you savour a local brew.

• The Boathouse (Falmouth) – Perched on the hill above the harbor, this pub offers panoramic views over Falmouth Bay from its terrace. The Boathouse has a great gastropub menu and features local ales (try something from Skinners or Verdant, two Cornish breweries). Enjoying a sunset here with a pint in hand and the sea stretching out before you is hard to beat.

(Truro also has good trail pubs – e.g. The Wig & Pen near Truro station – but we’ll focus on Falmouth’s highlights as the journey’s end.)

Scenic Highlights:

• Pendennis Castle, Falmouth – Just a short walk or hop on a local bus from Falmouth Docks station, Pendennis Castle is a 16th-century coastal fortress built by Henry VIII. It sits on a headland guarding the Fal Estuary. Visiting the castle grounds offers stunning views out to sea and back across Falmouth – an amazing backdrop for a bit of history with your ale trail.

• National Maritime Museum Cornwall – Located by Falmouth Harbour (about 5 minutes from Falmouth Town station), this modern museum showcases Cornwall’s rich seafaring heritage. If you have time before settling into the pubs, you can explore exhibits on fishing, boatbuilding, and famous voyages – a nice cultural appetizer to your beer tasting.

• Beaches and Ferries: Falmouth boasts several beaches (Gyllyngvase Beach is a 15-minute walk from the station, great for a quick dip or sunbath). You can also catch a ferry to St Mawes across the estuary – a lovely boat ride to a picturesque village with more pubs (if you haven’t had your fill!).

Extra tip: If you break your journey at Perranwell station, look for The Royal Oak in Perranwell village – a classic country pub not far from the station. It’s one of the trail’s hidden gems, often serving ale from the Penzance Brewing Co. or St Austell. It’s another example of how these trails help you discover off-the-beaten-path pubs.

St Ives Bay Line Rail Ale Trail (St Erth to St Ives)

Route: St Erth ➝ St Ives (a short but utterly spectacular branch line in West Cornwall).
Scenery: Turquoise waters, golden beaches, and rugged coastal cliffs make this one of Britain’s most scenic train rides. The track hugs the coast, offering jaw-dropping views of Carbis Bay and St Ives Bay. As the train rounds the final bend into St Ives, you’re greeted by a panorama of the town’s white cottages and sparkling blue sea – it’s a “wow” moment you won’t forget.

Notable Pubs:

• The Sloop Inn (St Ives) – You can’t visit St Ives without a stop at The Sloop. Dating back to the 14th century (yes, 700+ years old!), this harbourside pub brims with character. Fishermen and artists have gathered here for generations. Grab a seat outside if you can, overlooking St Ives harbour, and enjoy a pint of local ale. The Sloop often features St Austell brews and other Cornish ales, perfect to pair with a packet of Cornish crisps or a fresh crab sandwich.

• The Castle Inn (St Ives) – Tucked on Fore Street in St Ives’ town centre, The Castle Inn is a traditional pub known for its live music and well-kept real ales. It’s a great spot to experience the local community vibe – you might catch an impromptu folk music session in the evenings. They serve a range of local beers and often a Cornish cider or two for variety.

Scenic Highlights:

• Beaches & Coastal Path – Once in St Ives, you’re spoiled for choice with beaches: the golden sands of Porthminster Beach are right by the railway station, while Porthmeor Beach (popular with surfers) and Harbour Beach are a short walk into town. If you’re up for a walk, follow the South West Coast Path from St Ives toward Zennor for unforgettable ocean vistas – even a short 20-minute walk will give you incredible views back over St Ives Bay.

• Art Galleries – St Ives is an artists’ colony at heart. The Tate St Ives gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden are world-class cultural stops, showcasing modern art inspired by the Cornish coast. Many smaller independent art galleries line the streets. Even if you’re here for the ale, the art is all around and worth exploring (perhaps between pub visits!).

• Local Culture – St Ives’ winding cobbled streets are filled with craft shops, bakeries, and cafes. Take time to wander the alleys – you may find a locally brewed St Ives beer or a famous Cornish pasty to try. Enjoying a steak pasty with a pint while sitting on the harbour wall, watching the sunset over the Atlantic, is a perfect Cornwall moment.

Don’t miss: Try a Cornish pasty with your pint while in St Ives. The combination of a warm, crusty pasty and a cool ale, with salty sea air in your lungs, truly captures the magic of Cornwall’s coastal life.

Atlantic Coast Line Rail Ale Trail (Par to Newquay)

Route: Par ➝ Newquay (cutting across mid-Cornwall from the south coast to the north).
Scenery: A journey from Cornwall’s historic china clay country to its famous surf beaches. The line starts in Par (near St Austell) and runs through rural villages and moorlands. As you approach Newquay, the scenery shifts to dramatic coastal vistas and wide sandy beaches. This trail gives you a bit of everything: quiet countryside, rolling Atlantic Coast dunes, and the buzz of Newquay at the end.

Notable Pubs:

• The Quintrell Inn (Quintrell Downs) – Hop off at Quintrell Downs (one stop before Newquay) to visit this classic village pub just by the station. The Quintrell Inn offers a warm welcome, a large beer garden, and a range of local ales. It’s a great mid-route stop to experience a true community pub – strike up a conversation with the locals and you might get tips on secret beaches or surf spots nearby.

• The Red Lion (Newquay) – Once you reach Newquay, head to The Red Lion near the harbour. This pub is a Newquay institution – a traditional inn overlooking the working fishing harbour. They serve Cornish real ales (often including Sharps Doom Bar and guest brews) and have their own small microbrewery producing unique house ales. Enjoy your drink on the terrace with views of boats and beaches – a fantastic reward for completing the trail.

Scenic Highlights:

• Newquay’s Surf Beaches – Newquay is the UK’s surf capital, and its beaches are legendary. Fistral Beach, with its rolling Atlantic breakers, is a must-visit for surfers and spectators alike. Even if you don’t surf, watching the sunset over Fistral with a pint from a beachside bar is pure bliss. Other beaches like Tolcarne and Watergate Bay offer stunning scenery and beachside pubs/restaurants if you extend your stay.

• “Clay Country” Villages – The first part of the line from Par passes through the heart of Cornwall’s China clay mining area (known as Clay Country). Stations like Bugle and Roche are old clay mining communities. While humble, they’re gateways to interesting walking trails around former clay pits and strange lunar-like landscapes of white spoil heaps. It’s a side of Cornwall most tourists miss.

• Eden Project (near Par) – If you start at Par, you’re just a few miles from the Eden Project, one of Cornwall’s top attractions. Eden’s giant biomes (rainforest and Mediterranean environments enclosed in huge domes) are spectacular. Consider fitting this in before your ale trail: a morning at Eden Project followed by an afternoon riding to Newquay for beers makes for a very memorable day. Buses connect Par station to Eden Project in about 20 minutes.

Local tip: In Newquay, for something different, try a pint of Cornish cyder (cider) at a pub like The Red Lion or the Fort Inn. Cornwall is famous for its cider as well as ale. Sipping a cold Cornish cider with an ocean view is a refreshing end to the Atlantic Coast trail – especially on a warm summer day.

Planning Your Rail Ale Trail Trip

Part of the joy of the Rail Ale Trails is the spontaneity – but a little planning goes a long way to ensuring a smooth trip. Here’s what you need to know before you go:

Train Tickets and Passes:
Devon and Cornwall have special rail tickets that can save you money when exploring multiple stops in a day:

• Devon Day Ranger – An unlimited one-day train ticket for all of Devon’s rail network (plus the Tamar Valley Line into Cornwall). Valid off-peak on weekdays and all day on weekends. Price: around £17 for adults (half price for 5–15 yrs). This is perfect if you plan to do the Tarka Line or other Devon routes in one day.

• Cornwall Day Ranger – Unlimited one-day travel on all branch lines and main lines within Cornwall (and to Plymouth). Also off-peak valid. Price: around £17 for adults (5–15 yrs half price). Great for pairing two shorter trails (for example, you could do the St Ives Bay Line in the morning and the Looe Valley Line in the afternoon with this pass).

• Freedom of Devon & Cornwall Rover – A multi-day rover ticket if you want to make a long weekend of it. It gives unlimited travel across both counties. You can choose a 3-days-in-7 pass or an 8-days-in-15 pass. Price: about £67.00 for the 3-day or £107.50 for the 8-day (adult fares). This Rover is fantastic if you plan to tackle several Rail Ale Trails on one trip – for example, spend a week down west and do all six trails using this one ticket.

Where to Buy Tickets:
You can buy these special tickets at any staffed railway station ticket office in the UK. If you’re starting your journey at a small unstaffed station, no worry – you can buy tickets from the conductor on the train (just board the train and ask for the Ranger/Rover ticket). Additionally, these tickets are available online via Great Western Railway’s website or other train booking sites (look under “Rover and Ranger” tickets). Major stations like Exeter St Davids, Plymouth, Truro, or Newquay will be familiar with these tickets if you ask at the counter.

Scheduling & Logistics:

• Check Train Times: Branch line services can be infrequent, especially on Sundays. Plan your timetable in advance using National Rail or Great Scenic Railways timetables. Some stations (like Portsmouth Arms on the Tarka Line) have very limited service, so you’ll want to time your visit carefully. Always verify the last train of the day for your route so you don’t get stranded after the pubs close!

• Off-Peak Travel: The Rangers and Rover are valid off-peak, which generally means after the morning rush (after 09:00 on weekdays) and any time on weekends. Off-peak is usually quieter on the trains too – you’ll have more chance of a seat by the window.

• Route Planning: If attempting two trails in one day, check how they connect. (For example, you can do Looe Valley Line then catch a mainline train to St Erth for the St Ives Line, or do Tamar Valley in the morning and hop to the Maritime Line in the afternoon via Plymouth-Truro on the main line.) With a bit of coordination, you can string together multiple short trails.

• Facilities & Food: Many of the rural stations are unstaffed halts with minimal facilities. Plan for that – e.g., use the bathroom at a pub or main station when you can. It’s wise to bring a bottle of water for the train and some snacks. That said, you’ll find that most pubs on the trails serve excellent food (from hearty Sunday roasts to Cornish pasties and seafood). Scheduling a lunch or early dinner at a pub can be a great idea. Popular spots might require a booking for food, so call ahead if you have a specific meal in mind.

• Groups & Safety: Travelling in a group? Good news – groups of 3-9 people get a GroupSave 1/3 discount on normal train tickets in this region, but Ranger tickets are already so cheap it may not apply. Either way, stick together and look out for one another. The trails are meant to be fun and responsible – pace your drinking, enjoy plenty of water in between pints, and respect the local communities. The branch line conductors and pub staff are very friendly and have zero tolerance for anti-social behaviour, so everyone tends to have a great time in a relaxed atmosphere.

Benefits of the Rail Ale Trails

Why choose a Rail Ale Trail for your next day out or weekend away? Here are some of the top benefits of these brewery-meets-railway adventures:

1. No Driving – Enjoy Responsibly: Leave the car behind and let the train be your chauffeur. You don’t need to worry about a designated driver or navigating country lanes after a pint. It’s a safe, carefree way to enjoy multiple pubs. Sit back on the train, watch the scenery, and hop off at the next stop for your next ale – easy!

2. Scenic & Relaxing Travel: These branch lines are tourist attractions in their own right. From coastal panoramas to river valleys, you get a front-row seat to some of England’s most beautiful landscapes. The journey between pubs becomes part of the fun – a chance to chat with friends or fellow travellers, or simply gaze out the window at castles, beaches, and rolling hills. It’s slow travel at its finest.

3. Support Local Pubs & Breweries: By following the Rail Ale Trails, you’re directly supporting rural pubs, many of which are historical and independently owned. With pub closures a concern nationwide, your custom helps keep these community hubs alive. You’re also tasting and promoting local brews – whether it’s a family-run microbrewery in Devon or a generations-old Cornish ale. It’s tourism that gives back to the local economy and heritage.

4. Hidden Gems & Local Culture: The trails lead you to hidden gem villages and towns that you might otherwise overlook. Each stop has its own character – you might discover a centuries-old church, a quaint village green, or meet locals eager to share stories. It’s a fantastic way to discover off-the-beaten-path parts of Devon and Cornwall. Plus, many of the pubs themselves are attractions (some hundreds of years old, with unique quirks and stories).

5. Fun Challenge and Reward: The Rail Ale Trails add a bit of gamification to your pub crawl. Collecting stamps at each pub becomes a fun challenge – it encourages you to explore more stops. And of course, there’s the free T-shirt reward when you complete a trail (or several). It might seem like a small prize, but wearing that Rail Ale Trail T-shirt back home is a great conversation starter (“Yes, I did visit 10 countryside pubs by train!”). It’s a badge of honour for any real ale adventurer.

Beyond all the tangible benefits, these trails are about the memories you make. Travelling with friends or family, you’ll share plenty of laughs and stories – from racing to catch the train, to that amazing ale you tried that you’d never heard of before, to singing sea shanties with friendly locals in a harbour pub. It’s an experience where the journey, the destination, and the company are all rolled into one great time.

All Aboard – Start Your Rail Ale Trail Adventure!

With six unique Rail Ale Trails covering Devon and Cornwall’s most charming branch lines, there’s an ale adventure for everyone. Whether you fancy a day of seaside pubs and art in St Ives, a journey through river valleys on the Tarka Line, or a mix of city and country on the Tamar Valley route, these trails offer an ideal blend of travel, taste, and exploration. It’s not just about the beer (though the beer is fantastic); it’s about enjoying the journey, embracing local experiences, and travelling in a sustainable, relaxed way that harks back to the golden age of rail roaming.

So, grab your rucksack and railcard, print off a Rail Ale Trail stamp sheet, and head down to the station. Plan your route, but leave room for spontaneous detours – you never know what cosy pub or scenic overlook you might discover. As the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership likes to say, “Let us drive you to the pub” – and indeed, the train will dutifully deliver you to each alehouse door.

Give the Rail Ale Trails a try and create your own story. Swap tales with fellow travellers, chat with the pub landlords (they might stamp your card with a flourish and share a tip about the next stop), and soak in the heritage of these railways that have been given new life through beer tourism. By the end of the trail, you’ll have a collection of stamps, perhaps a new favourite beer, new friends made along the way, and certainly a deeper appreciation for the beauty and hospitality of Devon and Cornwall.

Ready to hop aboard? The ale trails await – share your Rail Ale Trail experiences with others, and who knows, you might inspire the next traveller to take the train to the pub. Safe travels and happy ales!