Posted by Charles Coull on November 07, 2002 at 13:57:12 from 195.224.147.56 user Charles_Coull.
As often with controversial subjects we've got off the Ransome line here. The scene in Swallowdale wasn't hunting at all it was Hound Trailing a uniquely Cumbrian Sport which still has a keen following and from the few sites on the web looks every bit as exciting as the scenes in Swallowdale.
The hounds aren't "followed" as in hunting. The hounds are bred specifically for Trailing, and follow a man-made trail.
The hounds are 'slipped' at the start and, with binoculars at the ready, spectators watch with anticipation. The trail is approximately seven miles long and takes the hounds 26 minutes to finish - unless they get lost or give up! Bets are made on which hound will be the first back.
Trailing not hunting!!!!!!!!!!