Fancy an event that brings you over 100 different ales on tap? An event where a micro-brewery has concocted a special brew just for you and your fellow revellers? An event where there are steam trains involved and it all takes place inside an historic goods shed? Of course you do!
This year is the 10th annual Rail Ale festival and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. The premise is simple yet ingenious – hop on an authentic steam train and travel one of the most scenic routes in the country, stopping to take part in a bit of a bar crawl along the way. The trains running are part of the Welsh Highland and Ffestiniog historic railways.
You can ride the train from Caernarfon to Dinas (and further if you wish!) with local watering holes The Black Boy in Caernarfon, Y Castell in Caernarfon, the Snowdonia Parc Brewpub in Waunfawr, the Tyn Llan in Llandwrog, the Newborough Arms in Bontnewydd and the Royal Goat Hotel in Beddgelert getting involved.
The greatest abundance of real ale (with a few ciders, perrys and lager thrown in the mix for good measure) will be concentrated in the goods shed at the Dinas railway station, which is transformed into a vibrant venue for the occasion. There will be live music, plenty of spirited company and of course – fantastic ale.
The Rail Ale Festival will run from 16th – 18th May.
