Are you looking for a day out at some hard-to-reach cask ale pubs and interesting places but don’t want to drive? Then join South Herts branch on such an adventure.

Using the 331 bus service from Hertford they will visit Standon, Puckeridge, Buntingford and Braughing – where there are nine pubs selling cask ale.

Seek out our free 2026 leaflet ‘A Real Ale Trail by Bus – Route 331 – Hertford to Buntingford’ which you can find in Hertford Tourist Office and in some of the included pubs - or on-line - https://southherts.camra.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/331-Real-Ale-by-bus-online.pdf.

They plan to catch the 11.55 service from Hertford Bus Station, calling at Ware, which arrives in Standon at 12.22. Time for a pint at the Star. Then take the 13.22 service on to Puckeridge where the Crown and Falcon and the White Hart await.  Then the 14.25 service on to Buntingford – a choice of three pubs, the Crown, Black Bull or Fox and Duck. Hopping on the 15.53 service to Braughing for the Golden Fleece, Axe and Compasses and the Brown Bear – and finally the 18.05 bus back to Ware and Hertford (arrives 18.42) where there is a plethora of pubs for those wishing to continue.

Passengers with a bus pass of course go free.  For others here is a range of ticket options that are available and can be bought from the bus driver - and which will overcome otherwise paying £3 for each leg of the journey:

Anyone who will just be making journeys between Hertford and Buntingford needs a 2-zone Connect ticket, price £6.00, which will cover your bus trips on the day.

Anyone travelling by bus from further afield in Herts to our starting point will need an InstaLink All Zones Connect ticket, price £8.50.

Anyone travelling by bus from further afield in Essex to our starting point will need an Arriva Herts and Essex - All Zone ticket, price £10.40 or a Day duo at £14.50

Other options such as groups save tickets may be available on the Arriva and intaLink web sites 

NOTE: These ticket prices are given in good faith, please check  before purchase any ticket will cover your intended travel area. 

Hertford Bus Station is a 4-minute walk from Hertford East railway station – it’s a 15 minute walk from Hertford North railway station.

The first 331 stop in Ware is next to the station’s level crossing – other town stops are along the High Street.

So, all South Herts need now is some good weather – and a fine pint.  Copies of the aforementioned leaflet will be available on the day of if you can't make it on the 13th you can download and print a copy for yourself.    

South Herts Would love to see some HEB branch member who live on the west of the branch join them.

Cheers.

Les Middlewood South Herts Branch