Climbing the Zig-Zag path to Selbourne Common feels like ascending to a magical woodland world, hidden away in the treetops from everyone but you.
Selbourne Common The Zig-Zag Path The Selbourne Hanger The Zig-Zag path is on the steepest side of the hill, called the Selbourne Hanger. It is covered in precariously balanced trees. This could be a tricky climb for a child. The Views The path seems never-ending but the higher you climb, the more rewarding the view. Go Wild There are plenty of plants and animals for children to discover – stag beetles, butterflies, dragonflies and other insects as well as birds, orchids and fungi. 
Selbourne Common is covered in towering trees, wildflower meadows and a hidden pond.
As you walk around, an occasional gap in the trees reveals a beautiful view across the Hampshire Downs, as if to remind you how high up you are.
The Common was peaceful and relaxing. The silence was only broken by the rustling of leaves as squirrels and birds foraged.
This path was cut by the naturalist Gilbert White and his brother in 1753 to make accessing Selbourne Common easier.
You can just about make out the lines of the path in the middle of this photo as they zig-zag their way up the hill.
The ascent is fairly gradual and not a challenging climb. We climbed for about ten minutes, at an adult’s pace, before reaching the top. 
By the time you reach the top, the views are breathtaking and the well placed bench is the perfect place to relax and enjoy them.
Visit the Selbourne Common website
Further Information
Nearest Town: Selbourne Opens: Daily Where to Eat: Either bring a picnic and blanket or alternatively, check out the Selbourne Arms, which is next to the car park. How Long We Spent There: 2.5 hours Parking: There is a car park behind the Selbourne Arms pub. From this car park, follow the ‘Footpath to Selbourne Common’ signs, which lead you down a shady footpath to the start of the Zig-Zag path. Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies, stag beetles, dragonflies and other insects. Information Written: June 2017
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU34 3JR
Cost: Free
Facilities: None
Buggies: We did not bring a buggy with us and were glad we hadn’t – the Zig-Zag path is steep and narrow with frequent steps.
Cost of Parking: Free
Ratings
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