On a damp and miserable Wednesday morning, a group of the usual suspects took the number 7 bus from Newton Abbot towards Totnes. Unfortunately the suspension of the Two Mile Oak bus stop precluded our stop there so it was on to the Tally Ho at Littlehempston where Exeter Ferryman, Dartmoor Legend and Summerskills Dragon Pioneer were waiting. A walk through the drizzle followed back to the bus stop and onwards to Totnes. At The Watermans Arms we met up with the rest of the group which now numbered 19. Firebrand West Coast IPA and Dartmoor Jail Ale were sampled there, then across the road to The Dartmouth Inn.
There we were treated to Bath Ales Gem and Jail Ale; several members also took the chance to indulge in the superb baguettes and chips on offer.
Then onwards to The Lord Nelson where the London Pride was well received.
Then it was a short walk up the Main Street to the King William IV where Dartmoor Jail Ale, Legend and St Austell Proper Job were on offer
. Then followed the long haul to the top of the town and the Bay Horse. South Hams Hopnosis was popular there as we settled into the comfy chairs and could have stayed all day, but Copperhead Ales Taproom was calling so most of the group made their way there. At Copperhead their full range was available, all fresh on, particularly popular were the Pale Rider, July Flame and Smoove. Some remained there whilst others made their way home with maybe another stop off on the way!
Overall, a good turnout considering the weather and a range of pubs visited, good company and good beers, will be looking forward the Halloween Festival at the Albert Inn from the 24th October and the post Christmas walkabout around Totnes on Saturday 27th December.
Clive Mackriell

'The usual suspects'