Swansea Camra members enjoying beer and sunshine at the Blue Anchor at East Aberthaw.

Swansea Camra members enjoyed a great day out on Saturday 7 March on a trip to three famous South Wales real ale pubs.

Travelling by minibus, the group first stopped at The Blue Anchor at East Aberthaw in the Vale of Glamorgan. Dating back to 1380, it’s one of the oldest pubs in Wales and is incredibly picturesque both inside and out with thick stone walls, flags and a thatched roof.

The bar boasts five hand pumps featuring Wye Valley HPA, Theakstons Old Peculier, Wadworths 6X, Brains Bitter and a guest ale. All were very well kept and we enjoyed sitting outside in a sheltered spot, soaking up the warm sunshine.

All too soon it was time to move on, but the consolation was that our next destination was the renowned Plough and Harrow at Monknash.

Ghosts have been reported at this ancient pub with monastic origins but it is more often the haunt of real ale fans.

Queuing to be served at the Plough and Harrow in Monknash.

Always a popular spot, it was particularly busy on a warm, sunny Saturday afternoon and Camra members had to wait their turn patiently in a long queue at the bar!

With six hand pumps and five casks behind the bar, drinkers are usually spoiled for choice. Wye Valley Hereford Pale Ale (HPA) , Bass and Timothy Taylor Best are regulars and the pub keeps up to half a dozen guest ales on at any one time. The pub also serves draught Gwynt y Ddraig ciders.

Time seemed to pass very quickly and it was soon time to get back on the bus and head off to Kenfig and the Prince of Wales. The 16th century pub is set on the edge of the Kenfig Nature Reserve and has been famous for serving beer straight from the cask for decades. The pub was busy and bustling with drinkers and families all enjoying the great food and drink on offer.

A great end to a great trip. Thanks to Sara Morgan for organising it.

The Blue Anchor at East Aberthaw

At the Plough and Harrow, Monknash