In the beginning
Before you start carrying your bow and arrows around in your backpack, you need to get a basic qualification (and insurance policy) that will allow you into any archery club in the country. To get yours, find the nearest club by entering your postcode at archerygb.org.
In the woods
Shooting arrows in 40 hectares of unspoilt woodland should inspire even the most reluctant to give archery a go. Once you’ve got the basics covered, attend an open shoot with The Company of 60 in Oxshot, Surrey. The club encourages non-members to enjoy the protected countryside throughout the year with other local archers. Targets are hidden in the forest and pit stops of food and drink are provided en route.
In the great outdoors
Field archery is known as the golf of the forest, as shooters work in groups to hit targets at up to 80 yards. Forest Spirit Archers in Fife, Scotland, is one of the UK’s largest clubs with an annual national championship. In the winter, you’ll be shooting in the snow, adding to that Game of Thrones feel.
In the city
You don’t need leafy countryside or Scottish wilderness to get involved. Hampstead Bowmen in north London uses indoor space in the winter and Highgate playing fields in the summer. Sessions for seasoned archers run on Wednesday evenings and beginners’ classes take place at the weekend.
On horseback
And if you think you’ve got regular old standing-on-two-feet archery covered, why not make things even trickier by trying the sport on horseback? This ancient military sport has recently had a modern surge of popularity, particularly in Hungary. Contact the British Horseback Archery Association for details of your nearest club: bhaa.org.uk.
Comments (…)
Sign in or create your Guardian account to join the discussion