The Glorious 12th: Britain's Most Celebrated Shooting Day

The 12th of August marks one of the most anticipated dates in the British countryside calendar — the opening of the red grouse season. Known simply as "the Glorious 12th," it's a day steeped in tradition, camaraderie, and the very best of British field sports.

A Tradition Like No Other

Since the Game Act of 1831, the 12th of August has signalled the start of grouse shooting across the heather-clad moors of Scotland, Yorkshire, and the North of England. As the summer draws to a close and the moorland turns a rich purple, guns, loaders, and beaters gather in anticipation of the season ahead. For many, it's not just a shooting day — it's a pilgrimage.

The Red Grouse: Britain's Own

Unlike pheasant or partridge, the red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scotica) is unique to Britain. Found nowhere else in the world in its wild form, it thrives on the managed heather moorland that defines the upland landscape. Fast, unpredictable, and notoriously challenging to shoot, grouse are widely regarded as the ultimate quarry — testing even the most experienced of shots.

Dressed for the Moor

A day on the grouse moor demands clothing and kit that can handle the elements. The British weather is rarely predictable in August — sunshine can give way to driving rain in minutes, and the terrain is unforgiving underfoot. Layering is key: a breathable base, a reliable mid-layer, and a waterproof outer that won't let you down when the weather closes in.

At Cheshire Country Store, we stock everything you need to take to the moor in style — from Schöffel's trusted shooting jackets and gilets to Sealskinz waterproof gloves and socks, Le Chameau boots built for boggy ground, and Hicks & Brown headwear to keep the elements at bay.

More Than a Shooting Day

The Glorious 12th is as much about the ritual as the sport itself. The early morning drive to the moor, the smell of heather, the sound of the beaters working through the cover, and the gathering of friends and family around a flask of something warming at elevenses — these are the moments that endure long after the season ends.

It's a celebration of the British countryside, of conservation, and of a way of life that has shaped the upland landscape for generations.

Here's to the Season

Whether you're heading to the moor on the 12th or counting down the days, we wish all our customers a safe, successful, and thoroughly enjoyable grouse season. May your shooting be sharp, your dogs steady, and the heather in full bloom.

Shop our full range of shooting clothing and country accessories at Cheshire Country Store — everything you need for a season to remember.