Cart Ridge Shooting Grounds, located in the scenic Tamar Valley near Saltash, Cornwall, is a premier family-run facility established in 1984. Owned and operated by David Dingle alongside his family, the grounds have evolved into a professional hub for clay shooting enthusiasts in South West England. It is highly regarded nationally for its specialized focus on English Sporting and its commitment to providing a safe, professional shooting environment.
The defining characteristic of the venue is its extreme terrain, utilizing a deep Cornish valley to create unique target trajectories. The site is famous for its "High Towers," which stand over 200 feet tall and provide some of the most challenging simulated pheasant targets in the country. This natural landscape allows for a variety of presentations, including targets that fly across the valley or drop from significant heights, testing the skills of both seasoned hunters and competitive athletes.
The grounds primarily host English Sporting events, typically structured as 100+ bird shoots across 10 or more stands. These events use a squad system of six people to ensure safety and efficient flow. In addition to regular practice days, the facility is home to the annual Inter Estate team competition and various open shoots scheduled throughout the year according to a provisional fixture list.
On-site infrastructure includes a large clubhouse with seating and refreshments, where traditional Cornish pasties and sausage rolls are served around midday during open shoots. The grounds also boast one of the region's most extensive gun shops, selling a vast array of shotguns, rifles, and the custom "X-Range" cartridges designed by David Dingle. Expert guidance and coaching are available, though currently limited and prioritized for voucher holders.
Safety and environmental stewardship are paramount at Cart Ridge; the facility is strictly a "Fibre Wad Only" ground. Shooters are restricted to a maximum cartridge load of 28 grams and shot sizes between 6 and 9. Furthermore, a valid shotgun licence must be presented upon registration for all shoots and when purchasing ammunition.
Key Features:
High Towers: 200ft+ towers for elite simulated game shooting.
Laporte Technology: High-quality automatic traps including Standard, Midi, and Battue models.
Family Heritage: Operated by the Dingle family for over 40 years.
Pro-Shop: Extensive inventory of firearms, ammunition, and shooting apparel (e.g., Le Chameau boots).
Suitability:
Novices: Range of targets available to test basic abilities with expert guidance.
Professionals: Highly challenging layouts for national-level practice.
Youth: Under-18s shoot for half price when accompanied by an adult.
Hunters: Ideal preparation for the pheasant and duck seasons due to realistic terrain.
Hours of Operation:
Gun Shop: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 09:00 – 17:00.
Shooting Grounds: Open roughly once a fortnight on Saturdays, Sundays, or Bank Holidays.
Shoot Times: Registration typically opens at 09:00, with last entries at 14:30.
