East Lancashire Rail Ale Trail – Steam Trains, Scenic Pubs and Real Ale Adventures

The East Lancashire Railway’s Rail Ale Trail offers a unique blend of heritage train travel and pub culture in Lancashire. Passengers board a restored steam or diesel locomotive at Bury (Bolton Street Station) and “chug through lush valleys and pretty villages” of the Irwell Valley. Along the way, guided tours stop at historic village and town pubs where travellers sample local real ales. Every tour “includes an unlimited travel ticket for the East Lancashire Railway, a guided tour lasting the full day, a bottle of ale to enjoy on the train” and a hearty lunch at a traditional pub. In short, it’s a rolling pub crawl through some of Lancashire’s most scenic and characterful spots. Whether you’re a rail enthusiast, beer lover or just looking for a fun day out, the Rail Ale Trail delivers a memorable mix of heritage and hospitality.

The experience is led by an expert guide (often co-creator Mark Coleman) who shares local history and brewing lore as the train rolls. The tone is informal and sociable – not a formal tasting class – but “with enough local history and brewing knowledge” to feel like an educational outing rather than a simple pub hop. In practice, each tour may involve short walks in villages (some routes are more active than others), but organisers clearly state the expected walking level when booking. All trips begin at Bury Bolton Street Station and typically last a full Saturday or Sunday (around 9–5). The price is roughly mid-range – online reviews note tickets hover around £59–£60 per person – which includes all rail travel, beer on board, and lunch. The Rail Ale Trail is a full-day guided outing combining steam trains, country scenery, and well-kept ales (with a focus on Lancashire brewing traditions).

How the Rail Ale Trail Works

Each Rail Ale Trail trip is a package tour run by the East Lancashire Railway (ELR), usually on select weekends throughout spring to autumn. You book a ticket (often via the ELR website or third-party outlets like QuayTickets), then arrive at Bury Bolton Street by mid-morning. From there a steam or diesel train departs, stopping first at the Track side pub on the platform for a pint (optional) before heading out into the countryside. Along the route the train makes scheduled pauses at stations like Summerseat, Ramsbottom, and Rawtenstall. At each stop, the group disembarks and walks a short distance to nearby pubs for beer tastings and the included lunch. Finally, after a drink in Rawtenstall, everyone returns to Bury by train in the late afternoon.

The itinerary can vary, but the core elements are consistent: unlimited rail travel on ELR’s heritage line, a knowledgeable guide, and pub stops. Tour materials emphasise the relaxed “hop on, hop off” nature. As one advertisement puts it, you’ll “hop on and hop off all along the East Lancashire Railway line, stopping at some of the oldest and most popular pubs in the Irwell Valley to sample a pint or two of locally brewed ale”. In practice, most tours last about 5–6 hours (often running 11am–4pm) and include one full pub lunch (usually a roast or pub meal), plus beer served at each stop. In place of on-train beer, some itineraries substitute on-site tastings in pub cellars or brewery taps. Importantly, the guided format means you follow a fixed route with the group, so pacing and logistics (train times, lunch timing etc.) are arranged in advance.

What’s included: The trip inclusions are clearly listed by organisers:

• Unlimited day-pass on the East Lancashire Railway.

• Full-day guided tour with commentary.

• A bottle or can of local ale for each guest (served onboard or in pubs).

• A hearty pub lunch (with options for meat and vegetarian) at one of the traditional pubs on route.

• Note: Participants must be over 18 to consume alcohol – but children or non-drinkers can still join (they just pay a lower price without the ale). Despite being beer-focused, the atmosphere is friendly to all ages, and non-drinkers often enjoy the scenery and pub grub.

In my experience, the producers underscore value: you get a branded ELR ale as part of your ticket (bottle of the railway’s own beer) and a tasty meal for the price. Reviews say it’s money well spent – not a bare-bones experience but a well-organised outing where food and beer quality is generally good for pub fare.

Key Stops and Pubs on the Trail

The Rail Ale Trail runs along ELR’s 12-mile preserved line in the Irwell Valley, from Bury through Ramsbottom to Rawtenstall (with possible extensions toward Heywood in future). Each main station stop has nearby pubs that the tours use. Below are the principal stops and the pubs typically recommended or used at each:

• Bury Bolton Street Station (start) – The tour always begins at Bury’s Bolton Street terminus. On-site pub: The Track side, a cosy independent pub on Platform 2. The Track side is well-known for its ever-changing selection (up to ten ales on handpump) and ciders. It’s often where the trip kicks off, with passengers grabbing a starter pint or eggy bread. Nearby pubs: If you have extra time, traditional pubs in Bury centre are a short cab or bus ride away. For example, the historic Two Tubs Inn at The Wylde is a 17th-century pub (Globe Inn) famed for its character. Another is The Met (Automatic Café) on Market Street, a craft-leaning pub supporting local brews. (The ELR guide even highlights “a Bury tradition – a drink on the Wylde”.) In practice, most tour groups simply refresh on arrival or after returning at the Track side.

• Summerseat Station – A tiny rural halt, Summerseat is surrounded by countryside pubs. The Rail Ale Trail usually sends guests to Higher Summerseat village. The main pubs here are the Hamers Arms and The Footballers Inn. The Hamers Arms (dating from the mid-1800s) sits atop a hill and is described as “a fine local pub – one of those that feels as though you’re sitting in someone’s living room”. It typically stocks a couple of classic ales (for example, Theakston’s and Deuchars IPA were noted) and is often the lunch spot on Summerseat tours. Across the road is the Footballer’s Inn, an older, larger pub with a long bar. It offers a “richer selection of local beers” and even has a beer terrace at the rear with lovely views over Lancashire farmland. In summary, Summerseat provides a classic pastoral stop: good hearty pub food (often sausage, pie or roast), a pint or two, and a garden view.

• Ramsbottom Station – A busy tourist town, Ramsbottom offers several pubs and a local brewery tap. The Rail Ale tour often starts in Irwell Works Brewery, a microbrewery located just up the hill from the station. Irwell Works is housed in an old engineering works, with a taproom upstairs – it was one of the first new breweries in Ramsbottom and pours mostly session-strength traditional ales. After sampling Irwell’s beers, the tour typically heads into the town centre. Here you’ll find The Eagle & Child (a historic character pub on the main street) and The First Chop (also known as Ramsbottom Tap, a modern craft-beer venue in a former shop). In practice tours have used places like the First Chop for a drink – one report noted sitting in the Ramsbottom Tap watching an American craft ale, while another group may opt for the local microbrewery pub downstairs. Other notable pubs in Ramsbottom (not always on the guided route but nearby) include The Oak (pub and brewery), The Shoulder of Mutton in Holcombe (a country pub just outside town), and The Major on Bolton Street. (The official ELR rail ale guide lists Irwell Works, The Oaks, Eagle & Child, First Chop, Shoulder of Mutton and The Major among Ramsbottom-area stops.) In short, Ramsbottom is a stop that combines a taste of the town’s brewing scene with old-fashioned hostelry.

• Rawtenstall Station (end) – The railway currently terminates at Rawtenstall. The station’s own pub is Buffer Stops, which is actually a sister pub to Bury’s Track side (same owners). Buffer Stops is right beside the platform, and on a Rail Ale day it can get very crowded indeed. It’s a safe bet for a final pint. If guests prefer a variety, the town centre is a ten-minute walk downhill with several options. The official guide lists pubs such as Mr Fitzpatrick’s, Riverside Inn, The White Lion, and The Whitchaff. These traditional pubs are near the river and the shopping street. Often the lunch on rawtenstall-bound tours is here. In any case, one last drink at Buffer Stops (in plastic glass for train travel) has become a signature climax: as one reviewer notes, patrons are often “at least three-deep at the bar” waiting for the final train home. After this the group boards the train back to Bury.

In summary, the Rail Ale Trail’s official recommended pubs largely match the above list: Track side (Bury), Hamers and Footballers (Summerseat), Irwell Works (Ramsbottom), and Buffer Stops (Rawtenstall). Besides those “official” stops, the region is dotted with other fine pubs for the eager explorer. For example, over in Bury borough one could visit the Poles or Field Tavern in nearby Tottington, or Handyman in Wellington Mill, if you had a long layover. And many travellers add in Bury town pubs like The Met or Two Tubs for extra variety. But the core Trail itinerary focuses on the Irwell Valley pubs above, giving a balanced mix of settings – from hilltop taverns to brewery bars to village inns.

Onboard and On Tap

The Rail Ale Trail isn’t just about the pubs; it’s also an experience aboard the heritage railway itself. Trains are pulled by vintage steam locomotives (usually over 50 years old) or sometimes diesel heritage units, with old-fashioned compartments or carriages. The railway runs through some beautiful Lancashire scenery: moorland and woodland around Summerseat, then the Irwell Valley winding down past Ramsbottom. From the carriage window you might see terraced weavers’ cottages, old mill buildings, and villages. The journey is unhurried and scenic. Some visitors mention that the lively atmosphere – especially as the steam engine arrives in a station – adds to the fun: children squeal, tourists wave, and even passing drivers often smile back at the vintage train.

On board the train you do get beer: each guest is given a complimentary bottle or can of East Lancashire Railway’s own ale (usually called something like “East Lancs Railway Ale” brewed by a local micro). Alternatively, some tours serve your ale in a pub setting (for example, they might offer a pint in the first pub instead). But it’s become traditional to toast the journey with a bottle on the train itself. Because the drink is consumed on board, it is served in plastic cups or small bottles for safety (no glass on a moving train). The beer is decent – usually a light ale with a mild English hop character – a refreshing prelude to the pub visits. Tours often provide water and snacks on board as well.

The pubs themselves pride themselves on well-kept cask ale. For instance, The Track side in Bury has ten handpumps of rotating ales and is independently run. Likewise, Buffer Stops and others maintain quality lines. Reviewers often note the satisfaction of getting a properly poured pint on these tours. Being independent pubs (not tied houses), they can swap guest beers regularly – so you might have a classic bitter from one Lancashire brewery one weekend, and a new-season pale ale from a different local brewer the next. The variety is part of the appeal. If craft cider, wine or soft drinks are needed, all pubs also stock the usual alternatives.

As for food, the included lunch is typically a traditional pub meal. On some itineraries it’s a Carvery lunch (roast dinner with all the trimmings), on others maybe a pie or pie-and-mash meal. Vegetarian versions are usually available. Portion sizes are generous enough that people come away full – especially welcome when you’ve been sipping beer all morning. Before or after the main meal there’s also snacks or lunch offered on the train or at the first pub (some tours serve soup or sandwiches at the first stop). Overall the food tends to be classic pub fare – hearty stews, burgers, or roasts – nothing high-end, but considered good value. The Three Drinkers reviewer was impressed that they even got a free complementary lunch at Summerseat’s Hamers Arms as part of the ticket.

Onboard Atmosphere: The vibe is very social. Everyone – strangers or regular friends – sits together in long tables or compartments. There’s often lively banter about the beer choices, and the guide encourages cheers between stops. It’s not a silent history lecture (though there are history nuggets along the way); it’s more like a fun day out with wine club friends, except with ale and train whistles. People of all ages join in – from groups of mates to couples to beer-club outings. It’s not unusual to have a few kids on board (their parents manage the kids and give them water or soft drinks). For the most part the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with spontaneous toasts and sing-alongs. (One narrator likened the raw energy to “being pulled by a magnificent steam engine and… an attraction in our own right” as people watched and waved.)

Family & Special Events

Although primarily an adult pub tour, the East Lancashire Railway itself is very family-friendly. In fact, on any normal day the line is bustling with visitors of all ages. One travel writer noted that arriving at Rawtenstall during an Ale Trail trip felt like a “carnival atmosphere” with families of all generations gathered around the steam engines. This reflects that ELR hosts many child-oriented events. For example, in the run-up to Christmas ELR runs the famous Santa Special trains. Children ride through a festive “winter wonderland” at Bury station, meet Mrs. Claus and singing polar bears, and get a visit from Father Christmas with a gift in their carriage. (Meanwhile adults can enjoy mince pies and a festive tipple on board.) In the fall, the Halloween Ghost Train is a spooky but family-friendly ride with costumes encouraged (the railway’s website calls it a “spook-tacular” event). Other themed days – a wizarding adventure, dinosaur day, Peter Rabbit train, etc. – fill the calendar. Even without these events, the ElR’s regular service attracts model-train enthusiasts, ramblers and holiday-makers alike.

For parents, it’s worth noting that even the Ale Trail tour itself can accommodate children (non-drinkers). Kids get their juice boxes or a free activity pack on the Santa trains, and on regular tours they often bring a water bottle. The pubs visited often have kid-friendly menus or can serve fish & chips/pasta if needed. So in practice, families can attend the Rail Ale Trail and adults enjoy the beers while children snack on chips and enjoy the novelty of the steam train. (One tour photo [41] shows children waving at the platform!)

Overall, the ELR blends pub culture with family fun quite well. On an Ale Trail excursion you may hear children’s laughter alongside the clink of pint glasses. The crew and pubs are accustomed to the railway crowd and are generally very accommodating – for instance, they will happily let a non-drinking guest sit in with the group at the pub and provide soft drinks instead. So while it’s an “ale trail”, it’s not an exclusive pub crawl; it’s equally a heritage day out that just happens to include real ale for those who wish.

Tours, Tickets and Tips

Booking: The Rail Ale Trail is a pre-booked event (you cannot just turn up and join on the fly). Tickets are sold via the East Lancashire Railway website or through authorised ticket outlets (e.g. QuayTickets). They typically sell out well in advance – one guide warned that the tour “gets booked solid well in advance”. Pricing is around £59–60, which as noted covers train travel, beers, and lunch. A few different dates run from spring through summer (e.g. May, June, July), often on Saturdays. Be sure to check if there are different versions (some might skip Summerseat for more Ramsbottom stops, etc.) and book early.

Departures: All tours begin at Bury Bolton Street (head straight to Platform 2/Track side pub area) – usually around 11:00am. Return trains get back to Bury by early evening. If you plan only to do part of the route, it’s worth knowing you can join/leave at other stations on regular train fares, but the “guided tour” price only applies if you go full-route as a group.

What to wear: There are some short walks (tarmac and gentle inclines). Comfortable shoes are advised. Days can be cool on the moors or windy on exposed terraces, so a light jacket is wise even if sunny. Pubs are generally informal (no dress code). The train is unheated, so layers are handy in off-season.

What to bring: ID (if you intend to drink). A small camera is great for photos of the views and engines. Many bring a small backpack or tote for souvenirs. No need to bring drinks – they are provided. But you may want to carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated between beers. (Restrooms are on station platforms, not on the train itself, so plan accordingly.)

Getting there: Bolton Street Station is in Bury town centre (parking is limited on-site, best to walk from Bury bus/train stations). The area has plenty of paid car parks and good bus links. Consider arriving early to enjoy coffee at Track side or grab any last-minute supplies in Bury.

Local accommodations: If you want to turn it into a weekend break, note that Bury and Ramsbottom have charming hotel/inn options. Some people choose to stay overnight in Bury (town centre is lively) and ride from there the next morning. Rawtenstall is smaller, but nearby towns like Haslingden or Rochdale offer more B&Bs.

Final Thoughts

The East Lancashire Railway Rail Ale Trail has received glowing reviews from attendees. It’s often described as a brilliant novelty: a day when the train journey is the pub crawl. Combining two great British traditions – steam trains and real ale – the trail has carved out a special niche. It showcases the heritage railway at its best: not just as a static museum or a one-off Santa train, but as a lively, working part of the community that ties into local culture. Many participants remark on the friendliness of the guides and pub staff, the quality of the ales on offer, and the sheer fun of toasting on a moving train.

No experience is completely perfect, of course. The Rail Ale Trail can be packed – the trains are nearly full, and popular pubs like Buffer Stops can be very busy (you might queue for a pint at peak moments). Be prepared that some pubs are traditional and slightly snug (Ramsbottom Tap’s space is limited). However, these minor inconveniences are outweighed by the hospitality. The pubs maintain their ales well (no flat beer complaints) and seem to enjoy the influx of enthusiasts.

To sum up, the Rail Ale Trail offers a “truly unique pub experience” – one where you journey between pubs aboard a genuine steam train. It’s perfect for beer lovers, railway buffs, or anyone wanting an offbeat day out. You’ll leave full of Lancashire’s stories: of industrial heritage, of Peel’s patrons, and of ales brewed in scenic valleys. The cheers on the platform and the final clinking of pints all echo the sense of community this trail fosters. If you’re keen to explore Lancashire’s railways and quench your thirst in historic inns, the East Lancs Rail Ale Trail is an adventure worth catching.

Tour Includes (for quick reference):

• Unlimited rail travel on ELR for the day

• Guided commentary throughout the journey

• One complimentary ale per person (served on train or in pubs)

• Lunch at a traditional pub (often a Sunday roast or hearty pub meal)

• Note: Bring photo ID for pub entry; book in advance as tours sell out.