Trans-Pennine Rail Ale Trail yesterday;
Kicked off at the Cellar Bar, Batley with a pint of Small World Beers Thunderbridge Stout 5.2%, before heading to the Navigation at Mirfield (a pub I have visited before). Theakstons Black Bull Bitter 3.9% was the selection there before it was back on the train again.
Next stop, Huddersfield. Having been in the Head of Steam more often than the Kings Head, the choice was the latter where Golcar Dark Mild 3.6% was the chosen ale. Stalybridge Station Buffet Bar, the furthest point of the trail, offered George Wright Mild at 4.0% and then it was time to start working back.
First up on the return part of the trip was The Railway Inn, Greenfield and a pint Millstone Tiger Rut 4.0%. A short train ride to Marsden where the vast majority of the ale trailers, ourselves included, opted for the Railway (as opposed to the Riverhead Brewery Tap which is quoted on most lists).
Marstons EPA 3.6% was the order of the day here. The owners of this establishment had obviously cottoned on well to the Ale Trailers and were doing a roaring trade in Burgers at the front of the pub.
Slaithwaite was the next calling point and the longest walk of the day to the Commercial where Empire Moonrakers Mild 3.8% was given the nod. The problem here was it was all uphill back to the station - I'll come back to that later.
The final watering hole of the trail (for us) was the West Riding Refreshment Rooms at Dewsbury and a pint of Siren Craft Liquid Mistress 5.8%.
A very enjoyable day and thanks to my trail companion (Scott) for his understanding when the trapped nerve in my back started to be a problem (yet again), from the point of the climb back up to Slaithwaite station.
The Frog & Parrot offered GK Magna Carta 5.0% and then it was on to the Benjamin Huntsman for a pint of Geeves Renaissance 4.1%.
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