0c Fair
Camping Gear 
Prints of North Wales Scenes 
Road Maps 
Tents 
Community Nurse Mark Williams and his wife Diane, also a nurse from Ruthin, took their two children Rachel and James to Llandegla Shooting Club.
What's the attraction?
Llandegla Shooting Range is set on the stunning grouse moorlands of North Wales, though this isn't about killing our feathered friends, instead it substitutes game birds for clay pigeons. Though Team GB didn't come home with Olympic medals - last week our Paralympians had more success - it's a popular sport, and beloved by many, of all ages, across rural Wales. There's constantly clay pigeon shoots being held as a fund-raising activity somewhere. This is the best way to do it safe conditions and the Llandegla centre is popular with families. Cartridges (you'll use lots), hearing protection as well as safety and technique guidance are all provided to ensure you blast as many of the pesky suckers to smithereens as possible
What's on offer?
As well as the simulated drive, there's also skeet. Seven positions are ranged in a semi-circle, and the targets are released from traps in towers at each side. The one on the left is the high tower and is 3.05m high, the right-hand one is the low tower and is 91cm high. As the shooter moves positions around the semi-circle, the angles of the targets change.
Or there's automatic ball trap, in which shooters shoot at one target before moving to the next position. The trap moves in both horizontal and vertical directions electrically, and the targets are released at random, continuously changing angles and elevations. The trap's also fitted with an interrupting device, making it impossible to predict the target's trajectory.
The club also caters for both corporate events plus stag and hen parties.
How did you get there?
From Ruthin we headed towards Llandegla, we turned left on to the A5104 at the traffic lights. We found Llandegla Shooting Ground on the right after about a mile.
How long did you stay?
We arrived at about midday and after a quick introduction received an hour lesson from Mike, an instructor there. We then went for a bite to eat and a chat with the staff, then left just before 3pm.
Did you take a brolly?
No, even though it was a typical British showery summer's day. There is protection from the elements at most of the disciplines.
What did you do there?
We had an individual lesson, one to one with a fully qualified instructor. From novice to expert, we all need help with hitting those clays. Mike was very patient and went through safety procedures such as safe ways to handle and load the gun before we all had a go.
It is important you have the correct stance or you can end up with quite a bruise near your shoulder, due to the kick back from the 12bore shot gun. We were protected with ear muffs and glasses and had a go hitting a few clays. It is more difficult than it looks but as we became more confident, we did manage to hit a few - with the help of the instructor, of course.
How much did it cost you?
The tariff starts at £50 an hour for an individual lesson, plus clays and cartridges.
How about food and drink?
The site has its own club house with all new facilities in the log cabin, which boasts a log burning stove, leather sofas and full catering facilities. What's on the menu depends on how many guests are booked for a shoot. We opted for a tasty bacon sandwich served with a welcome hot coffee.
What about shops?
There's none at the shooting school, but in Llandegla - a famous stop-off on the Offa's Dyke Path - there's pubs and cafes, plus a shop and post office for your Daily Post.
Is it ok for kids?
There's no minimum age involved for children but you do have to be a certain height and have a bit of strength as the guns can be heavy. Mike wants to attract more families and children to the sport - after all, future Olympic winners have to start somewhere - and I can certainly vouch it is very addictive once you've taken part. We hope to be returning soon.
Can people with disabilities get around?
The site's flat, making it easy for wheelchairs. There's also suitable toilets. Again, great for future Paralympians.
What were the best bits?
Clay pigeon shooting is an enthralling activity, the keen observation and swiftness in action are the most needed qualities to excel in this sport.
It was very tempting to aim at the clay and wait for it to descend before firing, when in fact it's best to hit it when its at the highest point. It's an instinct thing which I expect improves with practice.
James appeared to get the knack of it very quickly with his keen eyesight and sharp reactions. Both he and his sister were very apprehensive at the beginning of the lesson as the importance of acting responsibly with a potentially dangerous firearm was explained by the instructor.
Mike was keen to emphasise the correct way of holding the gun and only put the cartridge in when he knew it was safe to fire.
The best bit of all was when you managed to blow the clay apart - sadly an all too rare occurrence in my case. "PULL aim, fire, Miss" summed it up for me. The two teenagers were more successful.
Opening times?
Open every day from 10am - 5pm except Mondays, 01978 790198, Llandegla Shooting Ground, Llandegla, Wrexham, LL11 3AL. www.llandeglashootingground.co.uk
would you be able to take a group booking?…
comment by Bethan Smallwood - 30/06/2011 10:20
I had a lesson at llandegla back in 08, when dave hughes had the ground. had a great time and planning on taking it up as a hobby …
comment by david wyn - 15/06/2011 04:32