10 of Britain’s best grouse moors

Because today is Glorious Twelfth, and every gentleman needs to plan

Certainly one of the best grouse moors in the country and, as top shot Jamie Lee attests, without question one of the most exclusive. To be invited here is to be one of the fortunate few. Challenging grouse in stunning upland surroundings – what could be better?

Another great moor in North Yorkshire, Bransdale is now coming into its own under the direction of Peter Wilkinson, Mark Osborne and headkeeper Paul Wilson. A season bag of 8,500 brace in 2014 doubled the previous record.

A big moor in every sense. The headkeeper, Steve Colmer, is without doubt one of the very finest, and he really gets how to show grouse in big numbers at their best – downwind and hurtling at the butts. Everything is done beautifully and nothing is left to chance.

UK’s most incredible places, and East Arkengarthdale is one of these. A seriously stunning moor in the Pennines with exciting sport to match. In addition, the boss, Eric, makes for a great day and is a brilliant host, providing a memorable day.

A seriously fun two-day moor with stunning, far reaching views over the surrounding estates. First class hospitality and a stunning lodge. Perfect for 75-100 brace challenging Highland days. Headkeeper Craig Barnett is one of the best and the moor is managed very well.

Should be on everyone’s top list and if it isn’t they don’t know enough about grouse shooting! It is the holy grail of grouse moors, in the perfect area with brilliant challenging grouse, the most professional team of keepers and organisers – without doubt one of the very best grouse moors in the country.

Very wild and often wet, this is a special experience. Each of the past four owners have improved it under their tenure and it just gets better and better – two drives in particular, Sunshine and Colouring Craggs.

It’s a long way to go if driving from the south of England, but boy when you get there it is well worth the effort! A wonderful sporting estate in every sense, presenting proper, challenging Scottish grouse at their finest! A moor for the bucket list.

This moor was taken on by Bob Cieslukowski in 1997 and has risen from an unknown moor to become the first in the area to ‘come back’ in terms of numbers – definitely a trend setter. It made headlines in 2007 when over 500 brace were shot in a day.

As professionally run as a moor could be, this is one of the heavyweights of the grouse shooting world. The attention to detail is beyond compare and Michael Canon has been one of the true pioneers of modern-day grouse moor management. SJ

Special thanks to Sir Edward Dashwood, Charles Hambro, Rob Fenwick, Charles Hambro, Charles Brownlow, Edward Darbishire, James Dent, Jamie Lee, and James Chapel.

This article was taken from our supplement, Sportsman’s Journal.

Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?

Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.

Click here to find out more