Forget finding a designated driver for this year’s Vale of Clwyd Real Ale Festival – just hop on the number 76 and get driven direct to the door!
Once again, Denbighshire County Council is enhancing its bus service on the scenic 76 route on 10 July to encourage patrons of the Vale of Clwyd Festival of Ale to enjoy a pint safely and responsibly while travelling by bus.
The buses will operate roughly every half-hour and there will be a special evening service with the final buses leaving Denbigh at 10.30pm and Graigfechan at around 11.30pm.
The 76 route runs from Denbigh to Ruthin and Graigfechan, via Llandyrnog, Llangwyfan, Hendrerwydd, Llangynhafal, Llanbedr DC and Llanfair DC. A special bus ticket for the day is just £3 and means that passengers can hop on and off the bus at pubs along the route.
The idea for the Festival was dreamt up by landlords Colin Garner, of the Golden Lion in Llangynhafal, and James Short of the Three Pigeons, Graigfechan. James explained:
“We were just chatting and the idea came up and we decided to go for it.
“Last year’s festival was a real success and very popular, and we’re hoping to do even better this year.
“It’s a great example of small, rural businesses working together to provide something different for their customers. Each pub has a bus stop and with the increased service that day it should mean a bus passing every half hour. We want to create a special day which everyone can enjoy safely and responsibly.
“Rural pubs are part of the fabric of the countryside and if this introduces more people to their pleasures and attractions then so much the better.”
All the pubs taking part have a particular commitment to local beers and ciders with plenty of specials from North Wales’ growing number of micro breweries. Along with good food, music and entertainment on the day, a variety of guest ales and ciders will be available at each of the pubs taking part.
James added: “These are small local businesses too and they need support. They are keeping alive an age-old tradition and craft of local brewing which was lost for so long and is now being revived. You don’t have to be a real ale fanatic to enjoy these beers or the ciders and hopefully we are a shop window for them as well.”
Denbighshire County Council’s Head of Highways and Infrastructure, Stuart Davies said: “Denbighshire wishes to encourage people to enjoy a pint responsibly and safely while travelling by bus.
“On the day of the Festival, you won’t need to worry about a designated driver to get to or between these rural pubs. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a day out at the delightful range of country pubs while benefitting from a chauffeur along the way.
“We hope that newcomers will also enjoy the ride on what is one of North Wales’ most pleasant bus routes, as it meanders along the foothills of the Clwydian Range.”
M & H Coaches’ Margaret Owen added: “We are pleased to welcome passengers old and new on 10 July. The scenic 76 has a lot of potential as a tourist route and we hope to welcome new passengers back time and again.”
- Any passenger may purchase the £3 special day ticket, whether participating in the festival or not.
- Holders of valid Cerdyn Cymru free travel passes can travel free of charge.
- Service 76 is operated under contract to Denbighshire County Council by M&H Coaches of Denbigh & Trefnant.
