RAIL and real ale enthusiasts across Tameside are raising a glass this month as the TransPennine Real Ale Trail joins in the nationwide celebrations marking 200 years of the modern railway.
A special Railway 200 Ale Trail Day will take place on October 31, with pubs along the popular TransPennine route – including the iconic Stalybridge Buffet Bar – teaming up for a day of beer and history.
Celebrating 200 years of railway and pub heritage
The Railway 200 campaign is running events across the UK throughout 2025, marking two centuries since the dawn of the modern railway.
In towns like Stalybridge, the railway isn’t just about transport – it’s part of local identity. The pubs that grew up alongside the stations became landmarks in their own right, serving travellers and locals alike for generations.
One of the most famous examples is the TransPennine Real Ale Trail, which runs between Stalybridge and Batley, taking in seven classic pubs in Marsden, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, Mirfield, Dewsbury and Batley.
The trail was even featured on Oz & James Drink to Britain back in 2009, and remains a bucket-list experience for beer lovers from across the North.
A special brew for the big day
To mark the occasion, the pubs along the route are teaming up to host a celebratory Ale Trail Day – complete with a specially brewed “Ale Trail Pale”, crafted by the Riverhead Brewery Tap in Marsden. Visitors can also expect food and drink offers and a few surprises along the way.
Whether you’re starting in Stalybridge or travelling from the Yorkshire end, the route can be done in either direction, with all pubs either on the station platforms or just a short walk away.
A highlight for railway enthusiasts is the Stalybridge Buffet Bar, one of the UK’s few remaining original Victorian buffet bars. Packed with railway memorabilia and boasting its original marble bar, it celebrates its 140th anniversary later this year – making it the perfect stop for a pint and a bit of history.
Supporting local pubs after line disruption
After months of disruption to the TransPennine line due to major upgrade works, organisers say the event is a great way to celebrate the milestone and support the pubs that make the route so special.
So whether you’re a seasoned ale trail regular or just fancy a day out with friends, the Railway 200 Ale Trail Day promises to be a perfect blend of history, heritage and hops.