After a little (enforced) covid break, the REAL ALE TRAIL returned for its 5th outing last September and now they’ll be back to it again in April next year.

A bus chauffeurs you all day through spectacular countryside to rural pubs. You can visit as many, or as few pubs as you want, and stay at each one for as long as you like. It really is that simple.

South Wales is full to the brim with some of the best pubs a real ale drinker could wish for, with its own breweries and a huge array of village pubs to visit and drink in. Sampling those pubs – and most importantly, that real ale – presents your average real ale fan with one major problem (until now): who’s going to do the driving and which pubs to visit?

Take a look at their video HERE.

The REAL ALE TRAIL gives drinkers the opportunity to sample up to 8 fantastic pubs in one day without having to worry who’s going to ferry them between hostelries.

Beers aside, the Trail gives you the chance to sample some of the fantastic scenery with friends, visit wonderful villages you’ve probably not visited in years, something we have certainly missed through lockdown. The Vale has much to offer an ale lover.

This event is perfect for people that truly enjoy real ale, good pub food and enjoy spending quality time with great friends.

The first ever Real Ale trail event was just over 10 years ago, created with the idea to become a big supporter of the village pub and a way of celebrating small local breweries. The buses were quiet as they shuttled good-spirited folk around one wet Saturday to seven traditional Welsh pubs untouched by time.

The Landlords were very happy with their new found popularity, and customers enjoyed not having to worry about driving, it was a success. Since then, the Trails have increased in popularity and continued to grow in numbers. Some trails attract up to 1200 people in a single event, with visitors turning up from all over the UK and even attracting international guests.

Apart from being a thoroughly enjoyable day out with friends, the ale trail has a direct impact on tourism and the local economy. And if anything needs a positive boost right now, it’s that. Each year they transport thousands of people straight to the doors of small country pubs and bring over £300,000 to each counties rural economy.

This is how the REAL ALE TRAIL works – HERE.

The next Vale of Glamorgan REAL ALE TRAIL is planned for thia Spring. This April Trail may include a few new bars. Last September they visited Harrys Bar in Cowbridge and the  The Roost in Aberthin both had not long opened before the Pandemic started and both have been rebuilt to house rather nice food and drink offerings.

The Roost is in the middle of the village and not accessibly to the bus so a little walk from the bus stop reveals this hidden gem.   We are chuffed to include Tomos & Lilford micro brewery this trail, we always like to include independently owned breweries on our routes.

You can pre-order tickets once they are available, and find out more, right here. ALE