Blagdon Valley Gun Club (BVGC) is a premier non-profit clay shooting facility situated at the summit of the Mendip Hills in Somerset. Affiliated with the CPSA, the club is managed by a dedicated committee of enthusiasts who have maintained its traditional, social atmosphere for five decades, officially celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025. It serves as a vital community hub for both seasoned marksmen and younger generations, offering a welcoming environment for those who respect the club’s safety standards and sporting traditions.
The club is particularly famous for the technical difficulty of its targets, set against a diverse landscape of open fields, dense woodlands, and low moorland. A legendary record exists within the club: throughout its 50-year history, no shooter has ever recorded a "straight" (100% score) during a regular shoot or an official competition. This unique challenge is a significant draw for competitive shooters across the region who look to test their precision and reflexes against layouts designed by experts like Colin Moore.
Shooting layouts typically feature a 50-bird English Sporting format, though the club frequently varies its sessions with Flushes, Pro Sport, and Compak Sporting hosted over two dedicated layouts. These disciplines are organized with high efficiency, utilizing 15-minute squad intervals to ensure a smooth flow during busy Sunday sessions. The terrain’s natural elevation and seasonal shifts—from spring bluebells to winter frost—ensure that the visual backdrop of the stands remains varied and engaging year-round.
Infrastructure at BVGC is functional and authentic, featuring a basic but dry clubhouse equipped with essential toilet facilities. Visitors can enjoy a social atmosphere with complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits, reflecting the club’s non-commercial, member-focused philosophy. To protect the local ecosystem in this area of outstanding natural beauty, the club operates a strict fibre wad only policy, and shooters are encouraged to bring their own cartridges to ensure compliance.
The competitive calendar is anchored by bi-weekly Sunday shoots, alongside highlight events such as the Super Final and the annual Christmas Shoot. In the summer months, the club takes advantage of its high elevation to host specialized Evening Shoots in June and July, offering a unique lighting environment for practitioners. While not a commercial training school, the committee provides active support and advice to newcomers, ensuring the future of the sport is passed on to new generations of shooters.
Key Disciplines:
English Sporting: Challenging 50-bird layouts.
Compak Sporting: Fast-paced shooting over two layouts.
Specialty Formats: Flushes, Pro Sport, and annual Super Finals.
Core Advantages:
Technical Challenge: Renowned as one of the hardest stands in Somerset; no perfect scores in 50 years.
Scenic Location: Panoramic views from the summit of the Mendip Hills.
Non-Profit Model: Competitive fees with all proceeds reinvested into the club's equipment.
Community Spirit: A friendly, volunteer-run environment that actively supports youth shooters.
Pricing & Services:
Entry Fee: £20.00 per entry (typically for 50 targets).
Super Final: £10.00 for qualified series participants.
Cartridges: £9.00 per box (12 bore, limited stock available on-site).
Payment: Modern BACS bank transfer required prior to the event day.
Opening Hours:
Alternate Sundays: 10:00 – 14:00 (Sign-in from 09:45; Last entry strictly 10:15).
Mon–Sat: Closed (with the exception of specific Summer Evening Shoots in June/July).
