DECEMBER 21 – the Winter Solstice – saw the first Deadwater Valley Trust Solstice Light Walk held in Bordon’s Hogmoor Inclosure from 5.30pm to 7pm.

This self-guided trail ran for just over half a mile and let visitors discover twinkling Christmas lights, crafts and stories on the longest night.

Snowflakes were projected on to the forest floor and there were seasonal displays for children to explore.

There was the chance to stand on the bridge under a canopy of lights, sit on an ice throne and stop for stories by the fire with Bluebird Storyteller. Christmas crafting was on offer with the Deadwater Valley Trust team and under a star suspended above the trail was Santa’s sleigh complete with woodland reindeer.

At the end of the trail Café Hogmoor was open for festive hot chocolate and cakes, while Hogmoor Distillery and Jonah’s Mead provided warming hot toddies, mulled mead and a last-minute shopping opportunity.

Deadwater Valley Trust community ranger Julie Reid said: “This event was a first for us but one which we will definitely run again in 2022. It was lovely to see so many people of all ages enjoying the walk in the dark.

“The evening ended up at minus one degrees Celsius but the chill added to the festive feel and the opportunity to grab something warming afterwards was very welcome.”

Resident Ian Hiscocks said on social media: “A great little trail for the first solstice event.”