Passengers can explore village pubs and walks near train routes in South Cambridgeshire with the district council's 'Rail and Ale Trail'.

The trail booklet, published by South Cambs District Council alongside the Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership, was launched on Friday, May 24 at The Tickell Arms Beer Festival in Whittlesford.

Five stations in South Cambs are featured in the Rail and Ale Trail, including Foxton, Shepreth, Meldreth, Shelford and Whittlesford Parkway.

The trail also highlights 16 village pubs, all within a 35-minute walk from the stations, and short, picturesque walks you can take from the stations to the pubs.

Royston Crow: Susan van de Ven, chair of the Meldreth, Shrepreth and Foxton Community Rail PartnershipSusan van de Ven, chair of the Meldreth, Shrepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership (Image: Supplied)

Chair of the Community Rail Partnership Cllr Susan van de Ven said: "The Rail and Ale trail is a fantastic way to show both visitors and local residents the beautiful place that is South Cambridgeshire.

"The villages included in the booklet offer delightful walks for all ages, and what better way to finish a walk than in a cosy pub that has something for everyone!

"It’s a great way to remind people that our small railway stations are a great way of accessing our villages and nature on our doorstep.

"It's wonderful that the Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership can support our local pubs and promote the area to visitors after businesses have struggled for the past few years."

The booklet will be available at all the pubs included in the guide, and can be accessed online at https://meldrethsheprethfoxtonrail.org.uk/rail-and-ale-trail/ or at https://visitsouthcambs.co.uk/activities/rail-ale-trail/.

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The Rail and Ale Trail is part of more than 80 community-led activities and events taking place across Britain during Community Rail Week, which runs from Monday, May 20 until Sunday, May 26.

This year's theme is 'More Than A Railway', showcasing the work of community rail to bring people together, create more inclusive communities and improve mobility.

Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network, said: "Community rail partnerships and thousands of ‘station friends’ volunteers the length and breadth of Britain are mobilising en masse, engaging local people and partners to raise awareness about sustainable travel by rail, and get people enthused about its many benefits."