The Chase Line Ale Trail follows the railway between Rugeley and Walsall, with micropubs, a brewery tap and traditional real-ale pubs along the way. The main stops are Rugeley, Hednesford, Cannock, Landywood, Bloxwich and Walsall, with an optional bus extension from Walsall to Aldridge.
You can start at either end. There is no fixed direction, which makes it much easier to work around opening times and decide how much of the route you want to do.
Choose a stop
6 main rail stops • 14 main-route pubs • 2 optional Aldridge pubs
Rugeley — Trubshaws • L A Taphouse • Rusty Barrel
Hednesford — Heddin’s Ford
Cannock — Arcade • New Hall Arms
Landywood — Andys’ Ale House
Bloxwich — New Invention Brewery & Taproom
Walsall — Black Country Arms • Pretty Bricks • Fountain Inn • Victoria (Katz) • Lyndon House Hotel • Walsall Arms
Aldridge bus extension — Turtles Head • Hop Station
Each pub name opens its own page with current pub information, walking distance and a short guide to the area.
Train information
The main route uses West Midlands Railway’s Chase Line. Trains normally run at around two per hour through this section, although evenings, weekends and engineering work can change the service.
Main trail stations:
Rugeley Town → Hednesford → Cannock → Landywood → Bloxwich → Walsall
Rugeley Trent Valley is the northern end of the line, but Rugeley Town is the useful station for the Rugeley pubs. Bloxwich North is passed on the route but is not a designated pub stop.
Aldridge bus extension
Aldridge is an optional extra rather than part of the railway. From Walsall, the 6 and 7 provide useful links towards Aldridge centre. Turtles Head is only a short walk from the town-centre stops. For Hop Station at Lazy Hill, check the 7 or 937 for the easiest onward connection.
Suggested ways to do the trail
Southbound – Rugeley to Walsall
Rugeley Town → Hednesford → Cannock → Landywood → Bloxwich → Walsall → optional Aldridge. This works well if you want Walsall as the bigger finish and gives you plenty of choice later in the day.
Northbound – Aldridge/Walsall to Rugeley
Start with Aldridge or Walsall, then Bloxwich → Landywood → Cannock → Hednesford → Rugeley Town. On a Saturday this can work particularly well because New Invention does not open until the afternoon.
Shorter version
Cannock → Landywood → Bloxwich → Walsall gives a shorter rail section while still taking in two Cannock pubs, a micropub, a brewery tap and a choice of Walsall pubs.
You do not need to visit every Walsall pub. There are six on the guide so you can choose the ones that suit your timing rather than trying to squeeze all 16 venues into one trip.
Opening times, beer availability, train services and bus routes can change. Check before travelling. Last updated: October 2026.
