The following article, written by branch member Jen Ogle, provides information about the Rail Ale trail and its launch.

The South Cheshire branch of CAMRA has launched its Rail Ale Trail. Based around 7 pubs in Crewe, the trail is a fun way to explore and support pubs and cask beers.

The trail was launched at The Crewe Heritage Centre's event celebrating National Heritage Week, where South Cheshire CAMRA volunteers engaged with members of the public, telling them about the trail, CAMRA membership and the brewing process. Steve Kay, branch secretary said, "Even two of the ladies from Crewe police found it enlightening as to what went into making light ales and stouts and how the main difference was how the roasting of the malt and the Hops made such a difference to how the finished beer tasted and looked".

The trail, set up in lieu of this year's CAMRA Rail Ale Festival, usually held annually at Crewe's Heritage Centre, takes in The Earl Of Chester, Hops Belgian Bar, The Borough Arms, Tom's Tap and Brewhouse, The Express, The Duke of Gloucester and The Raven.

Each venue can provide a map and a collector card. Collect 5 punches on your card, and you may trade it in for a commemorative badge (while stocks last).

Derek Davey, chair of South Cheshire CAMRA branch said, "In a year when it hasn't been possible to fit a Crewe Rail Ale Festival in, I'm particularly pleased that with the help of local pubs, we have been able to put on the Crewe Rail Ale Trail".

He added "This both highlights the excellent range of beers available in the town and also supports our pubs which provide such a valuable focus for the communities they serve".

When asked what the Rail Ale Trail meant for his venue, Sean Ayling of Tom's Tap and Brewhouse said, “As a brewery taproom with very little footfall we rely on being a destination venue and receive very little outside help (even a trail organised by the local BID excluded us because we are outside the BID area by 100 metres). Therefore having our local branch organise the Crewe Rail Ale Trail is absolutely crucial to us and we’re extremely grateful to the section of the branch who took the project on".

South Cheshire CAMRA branch covers the area of central South Cheshire, including Crewe, Sandbach, Alsager, Nantwich, Middlewich and Winsford. New members are always welcome.

Crewe Rail Ale Festival is set to return in September 2026.