So good, it’ almost a sim

There’s no expense spared on a luxurious sim day, but can even the best clays compare with the real thing? Simon Garnham finds out

- Simon Garnham

I was glad of four-wheel drive; the lanes of Exmoor rolled like the swell in the nearby Bristol Channel. Our car rose and pitched as Mrs G and I approached Bittescombe Lodge & Deer Park to test a simulated game day being hosted from the lodge. We were guests of the gunsmiths Frederick Beesley, in collaboration with lodge owners Samantha and Richard Campbell-Breeden. The steep-sided valleys of the Somerset-Dorset border felt a far Cry from our native Essex.

The highest point on our farm is 35m above sea level. From there the land slopes gently to marshes and the estuary. By contrast, Samantha and Richard have serious contours at their disposal, rising to nearly 400m and offering spectacular drives.

Through the season their valleys form the backdrop for the Lakes shoot, one of many high-bird setups with excellent reputations in the region. It is only recently that they have chosen to utilise their impressive topography for a pursuit that seems to be growing in popularity: simulated game shoot days.

“We’ve got the rugby on but you may not want to see it,” said Miles Orford, coordinator of the weekend from Beesley’s. Lodge manager Joss pressed the first of several drinks into our hands and we were able to confirm that Miles was right: the warm welcome and luxurious lodge would only be spoiled by news of another Six Nations defeat for England.

Instead, we made ourselves comfortable in accommodation now listed by Mandarin Oriental hotel group as one of its five-star luxury options. No expense has been spared and we were keen to enjoy the extravagance.

Impressive