Cloudside Shooting Grounds is a premier clay pigeon shooting facility in the North West of England, overlooking the Cheshire countryside and the Peak District National Park. Established for nearly 30 years, it is family-owned and operated by experienced shooters who understand the specific requirements of both competitive athletes and leisure visitors. The venue is widely regarded as one of the finest in the region, combining high-standard sports facilities with a luxurious Scandinavian-style clubhouse.
The grounds feature championship-standard layouts equipped with fully automatic traps and push-button releases for maximum shooter convenience. A standout technical "feature" is the network of hard-standing pathways connecting all stations, ensuring the grounds remain "dry underfoot" even during the wet winter months.
Disciplines: English Skeet, DTL (Down The Line), ABT (Automatic Ball Trap), Compak Sporting, Sport Trap, and Olympic Trench.
Specialty Equipment: A 90-foot High Tower for simulating extreme bird flights and a dedicated Compak Sporting setup located directly outside the clubhouse.
The Cloudside Clay School offers professional instruction for all skill levels, from complete beginners to international competitors. Training is available for individuals aged 12 to 100, with specialized low-recoil 20-bore shotguns provided for younger shooters and novices. The coaching team includes accomplished title-holders such as Karen Hall, a regular Cheshire Ladies Champion and regional gold medalist.
For corporate and social groups, the venue serves as a major hub for team building, product launches, and pre-wedding events like stag and hen parties. Packages for these groups typically include professional instruction, safety briefings, competition rounds, and full catering in the on-site restaurant. Additionally, Cloudside is a key venue for the Аssociation of Clay Pigeon Shooting (CPSA), hosting registered competitions and national selection shoots for both England and Wales.
The infrastructure is designed for high-end hospitality, featuring a purpose-built clubhouse with panoramic views, a log fire, and a restaurant serving home-cooked breakfast and lunch.
On-site Shops: "The Gun Room" stocks a wide range of new and pre-owned shotguns, while "The Dressing Room" offers premium outdoor apparel and footwear.
Post-Shoot Service: The venue operates on a "Bring Your Own" (BYO) alcohol basis, allowing guests to enjoy their own drinks in the lodge after shooting is completed for a small corkage fee.
Cloudside successfully caters to four primary groups:
Novices: Guided "Shooting Experiences" that include all equipment, safety gear, and insurance.
Athletes: Access to Olympic-standard layouts and officially registered national tournaments.
Families: A safe environment with junior-specific coaching and comfortable seating for non-shooting guests.
Corporates: Dedicated facilities for conferences and events with a client list that includes FTSE 100 companies.
Opening Hours
Spring / Summer (April 1st – September 30th):
Wednesday: 11:00 – 16:00 & 17:00 – 20:00 (Evening Practice)
Thursday: 11:00 – 16:00 & 17:00 – 20:00
Friday: 11:00 – 15:00 & 16:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 11:00 – 15:00
Mon, Tue, Sun: Closed.
Winter (October 1st – March 31st):
Wednesday: 10:00 – 18:00 (Floodlit Practice)
Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00
All other days: Closed.
