So with wind and rain forecast all day we met at Newton Abbot bus Station for the 1025 No.39 bus to Bovey Tracey taking the scenic route via Bickington. First port of call was the recently refurbished and re-opened Dolphin Hotel where the Badger Fursty Ferret and Tangle Foot made a good start to the day.
A short walk then up the town to the Cromwell Arms where we enjoyed Dartmoor Jail Ale, Timothy Taylor Landlord and St Austell Tribute, all in fine form.
Next was the nearby Bell Inn where we found, the rarely seen in our parts, Sharps Wolf Rock and I was fortunate enough to have one of the last pints before it finished and very nice it was, thereafter we had Dartmoor Legend and more Jail Ale.
It was then time to jump on the bus to the Claycutters Arms at Chudleigh Knighton, we had an hour before the next bus, time for a hearty lunch washed down with a choice of well kept Otter Ale, Legend and Tribute.
Fed and watered it was back on the bus to Chudleigh and the Globe Hotel, there we found Sharps Doom Bar and Otter Amber.
Next was the Ship Inn, normally a Doom Bar only bar but we were pleasantly surprised to find a second ale on, albeit only more Tribute though a very well kept example which we enjoyed.
A short walk down the road then and our last planned stop, the historic Bishop Lacey Inn where the choice was Dartmoor Legend and, you’ve guessed it, Jail Ale.
We then all squeezed onto the Bus 182 for the return to Newton Abbot, though some did disembark for the Bell Inn at Kingsteignton for a Salcombe Gold and for yours truly a final pint of St Austell Admiral’s Ale at the Old Rydon Inn, a fine way to end the day.
The predicted poor weather never materialised and a very pleasant day it was with good company and good beers, here’s to the next one.
Clive Mackriell

The Dolphin The Cromwell Arms The Bell The Claycutters The Ship Inn The Bishop Lacey