South Shropshire Hunt

Visitors to the South Shropshire Hunt can look forward to dramatic hill country and pasture, with hounds who love to hunt.

Hunt: dates in its present form and country from 1898, but was earlier hunted by local landowners for more than a century. The kennels and grass yards were established at Annscroft in 1914. Hounds meet five days a fortnight. The point-to-point at Eyton-on-Severn is a spectacular viewing day and this year is held on 28th March .

The country: dramatic hill country and pasture, with plentiful timber jumps and some hedges to satisfy the equestrian. There is a portion of the Long Mynd known, during the lifetime of Captain Ronnie Wallace, with some wry affection as "Exmoor without Wallace".

Number of subscribers: 50 subscribers and 150 members of the hunt supporters' club.

Masters: Alistair Beedles, Edward Foster, Caroline Foster, Otis Ferry, amateur huntsman.

Staff: these are immaculately run kennels with kennel-huntsman Carl Challands in charge. Head groom is Claire Sparrow, assisted by Remy Powell. Terrierman is Graham Wright.

Best thing about the hunt: "The people, the country and the best farmers in the world," says Trish Cornes.

"These hounds are going really well and we've had some great day's sport this season," agrees Pamela Sykes.

Most challenging aspect: "Following Alistair Beedles," was the opinion of the field. "I know Alistair will go anywhere I and the hounds go," explains Otis Ferry.

Horse: a three-quarter-bred who will gallop and go and be surefooted on the hills. A horse that can think as well, to negotiate any obstacle.

Cost of visiting: £60

Hirelings: contact hunt secretary.

Hunt secretary: Patricia Cornes (tel: 01743 874326)