BEER lovers in Essex can now enjoy a pub crawl with a difference with the launch of the brand new Rail Ale Trail.

The Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership has teamed up with Greater Anglia, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and pubs near to rail stations to create a trail which is easily accessible by train.

Visitors can leave the car at home and sample a range of real ales from nine CAMRA-recommended pubs along the route of the Witham to Braintree Flitch Line.

June Povey, Essex and South Suffolk community rail partnership officer said: “At just six miles long the Flitch line is the shortest rail branch line in Essex but it’s packed with fun things to do, including nine real ale pubs, all near to stations.

“Perfect for a summer’s day out, visitors to the trail can leave the car behind, enjoy a glass of real ale and travel safely by train.”

The partnership has also launched a competition to win a copy of CAMRA’s Good Beer guide for 2024.

Simply pick up a Rail Ale Trail leaflet and collect a stamp at each pub on the trail.

The first to return a fully stamped leaflet to the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership at Essex County Council in Chelmsford will win.

More details about the Ale Trail and the competition can be found at esscrp.org.uk/events/flitch-line-rail-ale-trail/.

An additional rail ale trail offering 12 pubs and breweries is also available on the Wickford to Southminster Crouch Valley Line.