HUNDREDS of drinkers sampled the delights of Dwyfor and Meirionnydd as part of an award-winning ale trail. 

The Ale was flowing at venues from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Criccieth on 10 June when the Snowdonia Real Ale Trail hit North West Wales.

More than 700 revelers sampled some of the finest independent Ales the UK has to offer across eight venues in the region.

Impressively, there were up to 50 real ales supplied by micro-breweries and those in attendance travelled from as far as Birmingham, Shrewsbury and Liverpool, helping to give the Gwynedd economy a major boost.

Organiser Shelly Barratt founded the Ale Trails company and says while “it’s thirsty work” the event is always well worth it.

“The festival is so much fun, it’s gone from strength to strength and the numbers are increasing year on year,” said Shelly, from Flintshire.

“To have 700 people take part, all of whom are spending their money in local pubs and supporting the economy here in north Wales, is a real bonus.

“It’s also had a knock-on effect for small business, with pubs in north Wales and beyond looking to experiment with cask pumps and using more and more local foods and drink suppliers.

“We have a great mix of men and women of all ages, the world of real ale has changed and it’s now much more accessible to all.

“The skill of the event is purely down to the transport and the bus drivers involved, people don’t want to wait for bus ever and Express Motors are the best to work with so we had great transport links thanks to their management of time and patience. 

See this week’s north editions for the full story, in shops and online on Thursday