West Berkshire CAMRA

Campaigning for real ale, pubs & drinkers' rights

May Ale Trail

 11:30 Sat 21 May 2022

 Start at Thatcham Railway Station or just East of the Siege Cross Roundabout on the A4 Bath Road

Grid reference of A4 bus stops/meet point: SU 534 672

  • Please note amended start time to coincide with public transport options below. Meet at Thatcham Railway Station 1130 or A4 just East of jn with Pipers Way 1145

Starting Thatcham railway station and taking in The Cottage Inn, Upper Bucklebury, The Pot Kiln, Frilsham and ending up in West Berks Brewery Taproom, Yattendon.

Distances

Total distance (1-way) is 10 km/6.7 miles consisting of the following legs:

  1. Thatcham Railway Station – A4 just East of Siege Cross Roundabout (bus stop either side of road) grid reference SU 534 672 [1.3 km/0.75 miles] *Note the A4 is an alternative start point for those arriving by bus
  2. A4 to Cottage Inn, Upper Bucklebury [2.1 km/1.5 miles]
  3. Cottage Inn to Pot Kiln, Frilsham [5.4 km/3.7 miles]
  4. Pot Kiln to WBB Taproom [1.2 km/0.75 miles]

Food

The plan is to allow a little time for people to eat at the Cottage Inn. They are struggling for chefs but have a range of ciabattas and jacket potatoes available at lunchtime. Gary is happy for people to eat their own sandwiches too. Food times are noon – 2:30 pm (& 6 – 8:30 pm).

The Pot Kiln are busy for dinner in the restaurant but may be able to do a few bar snacks if anyone is still there before dinner service (6 pm) (perhaps an option for those wanting to do the return leg with reduced mileage)

I have booked an indoor table at the WBB Taproom from 5 pm in case we are in need of shelter from the weather by then! Otherwise there is plenty of outdoor space. They serve a range of “beer bites”, burgers, pizzas etc right through from 12 – 8:30 pm.

Public transport

The following are arrival times:

Bus 1

From Aldermaston: 1110, 1140
From Newbury: 1122, 1152 *if you’ll be on this bus, drop me a message and I’ll wait for you whilst the others start up the hill

Train

From Aldermaston: 1129
From Newbury: 1112, 1118

For those not wishing to walk the return leg, I propose to organise taxis on the day, hopefully we can keep the cost minimal by sharing.

Any questions or if you get delayed on the day, please call or WhatsApp Andy Pavey

Map shows A4 start/meeting point: