Most people have heard of the Loch Ness Monster, and there aren’t many who haven’t read about Bigfoot, the giant yeti who stalks unwary Americans. There are few, however, who know of the Tullochgribban – a mighty beast, half man-half badger, who stalks the hills and forests of the Spey Valley.

Old men tremble at hearing the word; stories of this monstrous behemoth strike fear into the bravest Highlander. This is a beast to be revered; respected; obeyed.

And so it was on the coldest of winter days where frost hung thickly from the trees and a sinister fog crept its way through the silent forest, that a gallant bunch of orienteers ventured into the brute’s lair. There were Moravian runners a-plenty who sought to go where mortals fear to tread. Few expected to return.

Reputations stood for little. Stealth and cunning to outwit the giant beast were needed, and driven on by fear-induced adrenalin, some new talent emerged. The unwary knew little of the enormous electrical charge that changes the laws of physics when the Tullochgribban is near. A compass became a liability, where blind following of the needle might lead to certain death. The sharp eyed fleet-footed runner was king.

But the monster was sleeping. One by one they emerged from the forest unscathed, some with tales of strange phenomena, others wide eyed with fright at hearing unseen footsteps coming towards them in the furthest depths. Some stumbled in panic down the side of the quarry into the car park from the last control, desperate to get into the sunlight and oblivious to where the finish actually was. But they all survived.

Whatever might have been out there they outran it and with the Club still intact we go forward to face the unknown of 2009 in good heart.

The results of the great quest can be found on www.interlopers.org.uk where you can find out about the new talent in the club.