The Glorious Twelfth: UK Red Grouse Shooting Season 2026

For generations of British fieldsports enthusiasts, 12 August – the Glorious Twelfth – has marked one of the most eagerly anticipated dates in the countryside calendar. It signals the opening of the red grouse shooting season and the return of shooting parties to some of Britain’s most spectacular heather-covered moorland.

The 2026 season officially began on Wednesday 12 August, bringing Guns, beaters, pickers-up and their dogs back onto the moors for a tradition deeply connected with Britain’s upland countryside.

From the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors to the Pennines and Scottish Highlands, grouse shooting offers an experience quite unlike any other form of game shooting.

Why Is It Called the Glorious Twelfth?

The name refers to 12 August, the traditional opening day of the red grouse shooting season.

In England, Wales and Scotland, the red grouse season runs from 12 August until 10 December, while in Northern Ireland it closes on 30 November.

Red grouse are particularly associated with Britain's upland heather moors. Unlike many other gamebirds, grouse cannot simply be reared and released in large numbers. They are truly wild birds, living and breeding naturally on the moors and feeding predominantly on young heather shoots.

That relationship with the landscape is one of the things that makes grouse shooting so distinctive.

The terrain can also make for a challenging day in the field. Moorland weather can change quickly, walking conditions can be demanding and grouse are famously fast-moving birds. Good preparation and suitable clothing can therefore make a considerable difference to your day.

Dressing for a Day on the Moor

Traditional shooting clothing has developed for good reason. A day on open moorland can mean wind, rain, sunshine and miles of uneven ground – sometimes all within a few hours.

A practical option for warmer days is the Jack Pyke Men’s Skeet Vest. Available in Black, Green and Navy, it offers a classic sporting appearance while providing the freedom of movement needed for a long day outdoors.

For a more traditional country look, pair your shooting clothing with the JACK PYKE Men’s Brown Tweed Shooting Breeks.

Made from a wool blend and fully lined, these classic shooting breeks combine traditional country styling with practical features including adjustable cuffs and useful pockets. Worn with long shooting socks and suitable footwear, they create a timeless look perfectly suited to a day on the moor.

Be Prepared for British Moorland Weather

August might technically be summer, but anyone familiar with Britain's uplands knows that doesn't guarantee perfect weather.

Conditions on exposed moorland can change remarkably quickly, which makes carrying a suitable waterproof outer layer particularly important.

The JACK PYKE Men's Reversible Waterproof Jacket offers a practical option for unpredictable conditions, while the wider Jack Pyke Shooting & Country Jacket collection includes waterproof shooting jackets, field jackets, smocks and lightweight outer layers for different conditions.

Layering allows you to adapt as temperatures and weather change throughout the day rather than relying on one heavy piece of clothing.

The unusually hot and dry conditions experienced across parts of Britain during summer 2026 are also a reminder that conditions on the moors should never be taken for granted. Always follow local guidance and instructions from estates and gamekeepers, particularly when there is an increased risk of moorland fire.

Don't Forget Your Footwear

With rough tracks, heather, mud and uneven ground to negotiate, comfortable and dependable footwear deserves just as much consideration as your outer layers.

The JACK PYKE Shires Men's Dealer Boots are made from oiled leather with an oil-resistant rubber sole, providing a classic country appearance alongside practical grip.

Whatever footwear you choose, make sure it is comfortable, supportive and appropriate for the terrain you're likely to encounter.

Working Dogs on the Grouse Moor

For many people, working dogs are every bit as much a part of the shooting season as the people themselves.

On a grouse day, experienced dogs and their handlers play an important role, particularly when picking-up. Labradors, spaniels and other working breeds are a familiar sight across Britain's shooting estates throughout the season.

If you're taking a dog into the field, a simple piece of kit such as the JACK PYKE Dog Slip Lead is particularly useful. Its straightforward slip design makes it quick to put on and remove when required, while the range of colours includes traditional Green as well as Black and highly visible Orange.

Don't forget water for your dog too, particularly during the warmer early weeks of the grouse season.

More Than Just a Day's Shooting

Part of the enduring appeal of the Glorious Twelfth is everything surrounding the day.

A grouse shoot brings together Guns, gamekeepers, beaters, loaders, pickers-up and working dogs, often in some of Britain's most remote and beautiful countryside.

The red grouse also has a special place in British food culture. The arrival of the first grouse traditionally signals the beginning of the game season for restaurants and game dealers, with birds from the opening days often appearing on seasonal menus remarkably quickly.

That connection between landscape, fieldsports and seasonal food is part of what has kept the Glorious Twelfth such a recognisable date in the rural calendar.

Respecting the Moor

Grouse moors are working landscapes as well as important habitats for wildlife, so everyone visiting them has a responsibility to treat the environment with care.

Follow estate instructions, respect the countryside, take litter home and pay particular attention to fire precautions during periods of hot or dry weather.

For those new to grouse shooting, an organised day with experienced Guns, keepers and shoot staff also provides an opportunity to learn more about the traditions, etiquette and responsibilities that surround a day on the moor.

Get Ready for the Grouse Season

Whether you're heading north for a grouse day, joining the beating line, working your dog or simply preparing for the wider autumn shooting season, dependable kit can make a real difference.

From tweed shooting breeks and shooting vests to outdoor footwear and working-dog accessories, the Jack Pyke collection brings together classic British country styling and practical outdoor equipment.

With the Glorious Twelfth now behind us, the 2026 red grouse season is officially underway – and with it begins another season of early starts, working dogs, purple heather and memorable days in the British countryside.

Explore the complete Jack Pyke range at Great Outdoor Depot and get ready for the season ahead.