The launch of the Rail Ale Trail
Beer lovers are being invited to let the 'train take the strain' and board the Abbey Line to experience the taste of real ale in 16 pubs along the Abbey Line which runs between St Albans and Watford.
The Abbey Line Community Rail Partnership, which receives funding from Hertfordshire County Council, has joined forces with the South Herts branch of CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) to launch the 'Rail Ale Trail', which promotes sensible enjoyment of real ale alongside safe and reliable train journeys.
The trail, detailed in an attractive leaflet, lists 16 pubs along the line, between Watford Junction and St Albans Abbey stations. Participants can collect stamps from each pub and obtain a specially designed Rail Ale T-shirt.
County Councillor Stuart Pile, Executive Member Highways, Transport and Rural Affairs said: 'There are a number of pubs along the Abbey line which we know are very popular with local people. Through this initiative we are hoping to encourage people to travel by train when they visit any of the pubs along the route of the line. We also hope it will raise awareness of this local line.'
The Road Safety Team at Hertfordshire County Council is also supporting this project. Theresa Casbard, Head of Road Safety said: 'This is a great campaign and we are always in favour of anything that encourages people not to drink and drive. We want people to enjoy themselves without risking their own lives and the lives of others by drinking and driving. Our message is simple, if you drink – don’t drive.'
Chair of the Abbey Line Community Rail Partnership, County Councillor Aislinn Lee said: 'The Community Rail Partnership works hard to promote tourism through train travel and the Rail Ale Trail is another example of encouraging people to use the line and to visit the towns and villages along the route.'
The Rail Ale Trail was launched on September 21.
Trains leave Watford Junction and St Albans Abbey in both directions every 45 minutes, Monday to Saturday. Early evenings and Sunday services run hourly. The train takes 16 minutes from end to end.
For further information visit www.abbeyline.org.uk
The launch of the Rail Ale Trail