Situated on the banks of the River Findhorn, 30 minutes from the town of Inverness in northern Scotland, Drynachan, part of the Cawdor estate, is one of the premier driven partridge shoots in the UK.
The shooting is superb – high partridges with fantastic variety between drives – and stunning scenery to boot. The Estate covers some 30,000 acres, incorporating eight separate grouse beats and 55 lines of butts. In a good grouse year parties can opt for a combination of both grouse and partridge days.
Teams traditionally stay at the extremely comfortable Drynachan Lodge, the epicentre of the shoot itself. The Lodge can easily accommodate eight couples, all with their own bathroom and two full time chefs and three housekeepers are employed.
Another advantage of Drynachan is that teams travelling north in September can also fish for salmon on the River Findhorn. Guests staying at Drynachan Lodge have access to one of the best beats on the river and normally fish after a day’s shooting, adding another unique dimension to the experience.
SHOTGUN/FIREARMS PERMITS
All UK residents bringing their own shotgun or rifle must hold a current UK Shotgun/Firearm Certificate. The former is available from your local police station and can take up to three months to process so it is essential to apply in plenty of time.
If you are using an estate rifle it is not necessary to hold a firearms certificate.
Non UK residents require an Overseas Visitor's Shotgun/Firearms Permit to bring a gun/rifle into Britain, or to buy a gun and ammunition whilst here or to shoot here. We are happy to organise these and require the application form and, if you are coming from Europe, your original European Firearms Licence. Applications must be made at least 8 weeks before your arrival in the UK. Each permit costs £75.
The permit must be signed by the bearer on receipt and will specify the number, description and identification number of the gun(s) it covers. Should the gun or any ammunition be lost or stolen, it is essential that you inform us immediately as we are the sponsors for your permit application. You will need to show your permit on arrival in Britain with your gun and must carry it at all times when shooting.
THIRD PARTY LIABILITY INSURANCE
All guns should have Third Party Liability Insurance cover of up to £5,000,000 per gun in case of any unfortunate accident. You are automatically insured if you are a member of either the Countryside Alliance or the BASC.
CLIMATE
The weather in the highlands can change very quickly, be prepared for wet weather and temperatures ranging from below freezing in the winter to 25 degrees + in the summer.
CLOTHING
Whatever clothing one chooses to wear, three important aspects should be borne in mind - comfort, protection against the elements and an eye for camouflage. Some of the best camouflage in the heather is in fact tweed, so plus 4s or 2s would work very well. But generally, wearing drab colours is fine.
FOOTWEAR
Bear in mind that you will be walking on some rough terrain which is wet, maybe frozen - particularly later on during the season. Options range from stout, leather ankle boots with gaiters through ankle length rubber boots to the traditional calf length wellington boot.
We would recommend waterproof walking boots and gaiters.
COAT
Most guns now wear lightweight Gore-Tex jackets, of which there is a wide choice. They are extremely comfortable, very warm and waterproof.
HEADGEAR
Finally, the hat. Choose a traditional English shooting cap and you won't go wrong.
A draft itinerary for a one night stay and one day shoot could be as follows:
DAY 1
6.00 pm - Arrive into Inverness airport and transfer onto the lodge
8.00 pm - Dinner
DAY 2
8.00 am onwards - Breakfast
9.30 am - Move off for first drive
11.00 am - After two drives stop for elevenses which can consist of soup,
sausages and sloe gin. Two more drives can then follow before lunch
1.00 pm - Luncheon
2.00 pm - Move off for final two drives
4.00 pm - Tea and depart after tea
Please note that the number of drives on a day can vary depending upon the bag expectation and other uncontrollable factors like the weather.
For non-shooting guests, plenty of other activities are available, from horse riding, trekking and cycling, to guided sight seeing and of course Cawdor Castle is right on the doorstep.
Fishing on the River Findhorn provides a popular post-shoot activity. Guests staying at Drynachan have access to one of the best beats on the river.
Inverness Airport is 25 minutes away from the lodge. Teams normally fly into Inverness from Gatwick, Bristol, Exeter or Luton. It is very easy to fly in from Europe as Inverness is well used to looking after private planes.
Enquire now
Call one of our consultants to book now:
+44 (0)1488 689 788
Or alternatively fill in this short enquiry form and we'll get back to you shortly:
Our View
One of the ultimate partridge shooting destinations in the world.
Price Guide
From £1,200 per gun per day for driven shooting depending upon the number of guns in the line and bag size. This price includes everything for the day apart from accommodation, transport to the shoot, tips and cartridges.
Availability
24 Sep, 12, 400 birds, £37 + VAT per bird
25 Sep, 12, 400 birds, £37 + VAT per bird
8 Oct, 12, 300 birds, £37 + VAT per bird
9 Oct, 12, 300 birds, £37 + VAT per bird
25 Sep, 12, 400 birds, £37 + VAT per bird
8 Oct, 12, 300 birds, £37 + VAT per bird
9 Oct, 12, 300 birds, £37 + VAT per bird
