Crouch Valley Rail Ale Trail

A voyage of real ale discovery along the scenic Crouch Valley railway line from Wickford on the Southend to London line, to Southminster in the heart of the Dengie Peninsula. Explore two brewery tap rooms, a micropub and several traditional pubs along this route where you will also pass through historic towns, maritime villages, important wildlife reserves and picturesque views of the Crouch Estuary.

ARE YOU A FAN OF REAL ALE?

Then this specially designed trail is definitely for you! Beginning at Battlesbridge train station, a short walk will take you to the One Green Bottle micropub. Heading back on the train to South Woodham Ferrers, Crouch Vale Brewery's tap room Tap Room 19 is a short walk away from the station. Along the scenic Crouch Valley line, you can enjoy excellent views of the Crouch Estuary and across to Rochford District.

At Burnham-on-Crouch, New Welcome Sailor and the Queen's Head are the next two pubs on the route, and there are several others for you to try as well. The final station of the rail ale trail is Southminster, and a short walk will take you to Wibblers Brewery Taproom & Kitchen and the Station Arms which will complete the route.

BATTLESBRIDGE - SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS - BURNHAM-ON-CROUCH - SOUTHMINSTER

BATTLESBRIDGE - ONE GREEN BOTTLE

This village, situated at the tidal reach of the River Crouch, contains the Battlesbridge Antique Centre, which is the largest centre of its type in Essex. Established in 1967, eighty dealers are housed in old buildings and courtyards, one of which is a former mill.

The One Green Bottle micropub nestles within the yard of the Meggeridge Farm area of the Antiques and Craft Centre. Up to four beers from Essex and further afield are served straight from casks racked in the climate-controlled tap room. Lunchtime snacks are served, such as crusty cheese or ham rolls. There is a pleasant outdoor drinking area with comfortable seating.

SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS - TAP ROOM 19

As well as a major store, a choice of smaller shops, and a wide variety of eateries, the country town of South Woodham Ferrers is also home to the award-winning Crouch Vale Brewery and other leading-edge local industries.

A 10 minute walk through the side streets of the town brings you to the Crouch Vale's Tap Room 19. This is a friendly tap room, adjacent to the Crouch Vale Brewery. The bar staff are very knowledgeable about the excellent range of up to six Crouch Vale beers that they serve straight from the casks in the climate-controlled cellar, which can be viewed through a window from the bar.

BURNHAM-ON-CROUCH - NEW WELCOME SAILOR

The New Welcome Sailor is a short walk from the railway station. It is a comfortable, tidy and welcoming community local. Two or three real ales are usually on offer. The single-roomed pub offers a range of traditional games such as table skittles and shove-ha'penny; two darts teams play in the local league. There are several tables out front to watch the world go by. There is a small courtyard and spacious function room at the rear of the pub. No food is served but snacks are available.

THE QUEEN'S HEAD

Fifteen minutes walk away from the railway station and tucked down a quiet little lane of Burnham-on-Crouch's High Street, you will find the Queen's Head. This is a busy, welcoming locals' pub. An interesting selection of well-kept beer is offered (usually four), plus a selection of ciders. There are no carpets here, just a basic, comfortable pub interior with a wood-fired stove and pool table. No food is served but snacks are available. The sheltered patio-style garden is a delightful place to spend on a summer's day.

SOUTHMINSTER - WIBBLERS BREWERY

Turn right out of Southminster station and head for the countryside. You will soon come across the Wibblers Brewery Taproom and Kitchen. Adjacent to the restored medieval tithe barn housing the Wibblers Brewery, this tap room stocks up to five real ales and several craft keg beers and real ciders produced 'next door'. The expanded bar is pleasantly furnished, with further seating available to the front of the building for those who enjoy their drinks al fresco in warmer weather. Meals are from locally-sourced products wherever possible.

THE STATION ARMS

Turning left out of the station soon brings you to the Station Arms. This classic, friendly weatherboarded pub has featured in every edition of the 'Good Beer Guide' for nearly thirty years. The bare-boarded single bar serves four real ales and is decorated with railway and brewery memorabilia. An attractive courtyard is a suntrap in fine weather and a barn, with a log-burning stove, provides shelter if required. No food is served.

TICKET INFORMATION

A valid ticket is required for your journey on the Crouch Valley Train Line. This can be purchased in advance or on board. A return ticket will allow you to disembark the train and re-join as long as you continue in the same direction of travel. Please note the Crouch Valley Line is a single track line meaning trains may be less frequent than at other larger stations and will travel in both directions from the same platform.

The Crouch Valley Line and connecting services may be subject to engineering works and planned cancellations. It is vital you check for service disruptions, including for your return journey, before travelling.

For more information, including time tables, service disruptions and group discounts, please visit the Greater Anglia website.

Please note that some of the establishments listed in the guide have limited opening hours and several are closed on certain days.

Please phone ahead to confirm opening times or check CAMRA's pub website for more information.

The Crouch Valley Rail Ale Trail is brought to you by:

- Magnox
- CAMRA
- Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership
- The Crouch Valley Line
- Discover Maldon District
- Maldon District Council

What is CAMRA? The Campaign for Real Ale is an independent, voluntary organisation campaigning for real ale, community pubs and consumer rights.

Maldon & Dengie CAMRA is one of the smallest national branches; small we might be, but we pack a big punch! Our aim is to encourage our local breweries to supply good ale, for landlords to keep it and sell it that way and for pub-goers to make good use of their locals and drink fine ales and ciders.

Why not find out more?

Maldon & Dengie CAMRA website
Facebook Group
Email about Membership Enquiries

GRAPE & GRAIN TRAIL

SALTMARSH COAST

CROUCH VALLEY RAIL ALE TRAIL - We will be continuing to review health advice regarding public events, and wish to advise our visitors that venues and activities could be subject to short notice closure or altered opening times. Please check with the venue before visiting