What a hound will follow, though it means a climb (6)

I believe the answer is:

ascent

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'a climb' is the definition.
(I know that climb can be written as ascent)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ascent that I've seen before include "An up-slope" , "Stance (anag)" , "Upward climb" , "rising?" , "A rise in status; climb" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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