SEVEN Tamar Valley pubs are included in a new guide to real ale pubs close to railway stations in the South West.

Inspired by Rail Ale Trails on the Gunnislake – Plymouth Tamar Valley Line and other Devon and Cornwall branch lines, the Rail Ale Guide features more than 200 good pubs near railway stations throughout the South West, covering Bristol, Salisbury, Weymouth, Exeter and points west.

The Tamar Valley pubs included are the Olde Plough Inn at Bere Ferrers, the Edgcumbe Hotel in Bere Alston, the Tamar Inn at Calstock, the Queen's Head in Albaston and three in Gunnislake, the Tavistock Arms Hotel, the Buccaneer and the Cornish Inn.

The guide has been compiled and published by former Dartmoor Railway managing director John Hummel.  He said: 'The guide makes it easy to find good pubs to visit by train, or when waiting at an unfamiliar station, to find that little gem of a pub, just around the corner.  I hope it will encourage readers to plan evenings or days out by train, visiting some of the South West's fine pubs by train.'

The guide has been published with the support of CAMRA ( the Campaign for Real Ale), the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership and the Association of Community Rail Partnerships.

Rod Davis, of Cornwall CAMRA and CAMRA's public transport advisory group, said: 'This splendid guide brings to the notice of more pub-loving travellers something that a few of us have long known: that most stations are within a few minutes' walk of splendid pubs offering decent beer, perhaps a snack or a meal, and a chance to chat with the locals in a relaxed atmosphere.'

Richard Burningham, manager of the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership said: 'This great new guide is a valuable addition to the Rail Ale Trails we have been running for the last few years.  Encouraging people to explore the local area and visit lovely Westcountry pubs by train is a winner for everyone and especially the pubs as it means brand new customers.'

The Rail Ale Guide costs £5 and can be bought direct from the publishers via http://www.railaleguide.com">www.railaleguide.com