North Downs Way Ale Of The Trail Beer Passport

 

The North Downs Way National Trail has teamed up with local breweries in Kent, Medway, and Surrey to create an “Ale Trail” for walkers to explore along the route.

How does it work?

Each brewery has dedicated an “Ale of The Trail” to become an official beer of the North Downs Way. Most ales have a link to the trail either through name, local ingredients or links to military or cultural heritage. All breweries involved make a contribution to the upkeep of the trail to help us keep the route in top shape; maintain signage, keep pathways clear, so each pint sold contributes towards the upkeep of the trail. Each year we spend £20, 000 on vegetation management to keep the trail open and have invested over £150,000 in the last

5 years resurfacing damaged sections of the trail. A 4- finger oak sign coast us nearly £500 to produce and install, so every pint counts!

Many of our visitors enjoy a pint of local ale as they explore the trail and we’re making it easier for them to support the trail as they do so.  Working with our fantastic network of country pubs, inns and farm shops we will create a map and beer passport for walkers to seek out the different ales and tick them off as they pass along the trail.

This is great news for the breweries, pubs and the walkers but also for the trail. You can download a Brewery Map & Ale of the Trail Passport.

 

 

 

Who’s Involved? 

The area has a rich history of hop growing and strong links to the brewing industry stretching back centuries. Today it is home to many outstanding and award-winning local producers. The following breweries and beers are currently signed up to the scheme.

 

Hogs Back Brewery- TEA (Traditional English Ale). 4.2%

Widely available throughout Kent

You can’t get more English than a country walk and a refreshing cup of TEA

 

Godstone Brewers- BUZZ – honeyed bitter.  4.7%

Bottles; only available from Flower Farm Shop, Godstone and selected beer festivals on draught

Made from North Downs Honey – Buzz is the Farm Dog where the beer is brewed

 

 

Titsey Brewery- Leveson Buck- session IPA.  3.7%

Botley Hill Farmhouse

Highest altitude beer on the trail – brewed on site at Botley Hill Farmhouse. Sure to put a spring in your step

 

 

Westerham Brewery- Spirit of Kent  9 Hop XXX Pale Ale.  4%

Westerham Brewery Taproom & widely available in real ale pubs along the trail. Cask & Bottle

Named after a Mk IX Spitfire, part of the County of Kent Fighter Squadron who fought in the Battle of Britain.

 

 

 

Kent Brewery – Prohibition- American Pale Ale.  4.8%

Widely available in real ale pubs on tap and in cans

On landing in America The Pilgrim Fathers needed a decent beer, and then came Prohibition

 

Musket Brewery – Fife & Drum Golden Ale.  3.8%

Widely available throughout Kent

Perfect refreshment for a march in the English Countryside

 

 

Shepherd Neame – Bishops Finger – Strong Kentish Ale. 5.4%

Widely available in bottle and draft in Shepherd Neame pubs

Takes its name from the finger-shaped signposts which pointed pilgrims on their way to the tomb of Thomas a Becket in Canterbury

 

 

Breakwater Brewery – Hellfire Corner Pale, Hoppy APA  4.2%

Breakwater Taproom, Dover and real ale pubs along the trail

Hellfire corner describes the area of East Kent around Dover where the Battle of Britain was fought in WW2

 

 

Canterbury Brewers – Torpedo Amber Ale.  4.5%

The Foundry Brewpub, Canterbury

In 1794 the 1st Torpedo was commissioned at the Foundry (now brewery). (Partially) successful testing left Herne Bay with widespread damage. An explosive beer.

 

Goody Ales – Good Heavens, Amber Hoppy Ale.  4.1%

“The Cathedral” taproom at the brewery and real ale pubs through Kent and SE London

Made with Pilgrim Hops on the outskirts of Canterbury