Like to be a quarry, but not sure what it involves? - by Neil McAlpine(Quarry Captain) Everything you need to know about this exciting pastime. Just read on, and convince yourself that you too, can be part of this growing trend! Dispel the myths, cast aside the doubts, raise your confidence, have great fun and enlist……………………….You know you want to!
Facts; NO, you do not get eaten by the Hounds at the end of the chase! A popular myth, but as I am Quarry and I wrote this, clearly, I haven’t been eaten! NO, you do not have to be an elite Athlete or a long distance runner. Yes, the Hounds are quick, but as quarry, you do get a generous head start, which means that most of the time, the hounds never catch the quarry NO, the quarry and Hounds do not trash the landscape in which they run. Access is kindly permitted by the landowners NO, you do not have to run for vast miles. Most ‘meets’ consist of 2-3 runs of approx. 3-5 miles each with a rest between each. NO, you do not have to do every run of every meet NO, you will not be left on your own to survive in the wild if you get lost. Quarry usually run in pairs and are in contact with base via 2-way radios NO, you do not have to be an expert navigator or orienteer. Maps will be provided and routes are generally easy to follow. NO, you do not have to pay to become quarry NO, you do not have to wear a scent that the Hounds can follow. They just trace your natural body scents! So, Chanel, GUCCI, etc. perfumes, although nice, are not necessary NO, you do not have to wear bright coloured clothing. The hounds trace you by your scent, not what you wear. NO, there will not be any showers or baths for you to get clean after the runs. Sorry, but quarry run in rural areas. YES, being quarry is great fun. You will get to meet very nice people, Hounds and Horses YES, it is exciting, and you will want to do it again, and again, and again! YES, you will get dirty and wet. This is because quarry run mainly off road across fields, through water and mud YES, being quarry is suitable for most runners and ages. However, you will need to be able to run comfortably for approx. 3-5 miles continuously on uneven terrain. YES, the Hounds will jump up at you, but this is their very friendly nature. They are like domestic pets in personality. YES, the hounds can be smelly and dirty. This is to be expected after running across fields, through water, etc. YES, you will need to wear old clothing that is also suitable for running YES, you will need to wear good, supportive trainers suitable for uneven terrain YES, you will need to bring along drinks and some snacks. Although we do sometimes go to a pub after the meets, you will need these for in between the runs. Some of our hosts kindly supply drinks and snacks before and after the meets YES, you will need to bring a change of clothing YES, we do get driven to the start of each hunt. YES, the quarry does get provided with maps of the areas in which they will run. YES, you will have lots of fun. Have I emphasised that enough?
So, there you have it, in a nutshell. The only other thing I can add is that I have been quarry for one season so far (2005-2006) and it has proved to be great fun. Everyone involved is fantastic, supportive and very friendly. You will get to run across some beautiful countryside, some of which is normally not accessible to the public. If you’d like further details or a friendly chat, then please do not hesitate to contact me at QuarryCaptain@SouthDownsBloodhounds.com