Ales of the Trail - Local Beer, Fundraising and the North Downs Way National Trail
Published on 31 March 2020
United Kingdom
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
Ten breweries located along the North Downs Way National Trail dedicated an “Ale of the Trail”. Each brewery was encouraged to dedicate a beer that has some connection to the trail either by name, ingredients or historical links.
Each brewery made an annual donation towards the upkeep of the trail.
A map and passport was designed and printed to encourage walkers to discover local beers, breweries and related heritage along the trail
Over 6,000 maps & passports were distributed to local pubs, farm shops, brewery outlets.
North Downs Way Walkers and Cyclists are encouraged to visit local pubs, breweries and outlets to tick off each beer on the map and passport
Pubs, ales and trails are promoted via social media and on partner media channels
Each brewery made an annual donation towards the upkeep of the trail.
A map and passport was designed and printed to encourage walkers to discover local beers, breweries and related heritage along the trail
Over 6,000 maps & passports were distributed to local pubs, farm shops, brewery outlets.
North Downs Way Walkers and Cyclists are encouraged to visit local pubs, breweries and outlets to tick off each beer on the map and passport
Pubs, ales and trails are promoted via social media and on partner media channels
Resources needed
Six months of officer time to develop, manage and communicate project
£1600 design and print of 6,000 maps and passports (download from website below)
£160 creation of web page and branding icon
£1600 design and print of 6,000 maps and passports (download from website below)
£160 creation of web page and branding icon
Evidence of success
Increased awareness of breweries on trail
Trail Ambassadors delivering Ale related activities
More walkers visiting breweries, tours & pubs for food/ drink/ accommodation
Requests from other producers to be in the project
10,000 Ales of the Trail maps produced
PDF Download of the maps have been downloaded from the website
10 Breweries reported success and requested guided walks and events
Shepherd Neame, one of UK’s biggest breweries, have put in place their own pub walks scheme
Trail Ambassadors delivering Ale related activities
More walkers visiting breweries, tours & pubs for food/ drink/ accommodation
Requests from other producers to be in the project
10,000 Ales of the Trail maps produced
PDF Download of the maps have been downloaded from the website
10 Breweries reported success and requested guided walks and events
Shepherd Neame, one of UK’s biggest breweries, have put in place their own pub walks scheme
Potential for learning or transfer
Any long-distance walking trail could implement the same initiative. Ale is a kind of beer distinctive to Kent with a strong link to local heritage, so it works well in Kent. Many of the ales are associated with historic traditions, stories or characters. Any region could do similar with a focus on their own locally distinctive produce.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Kent Downs AONB
United Kingdom
Kent
Contact
Partnership Officer