Follow the Zig-Zag Path up to Explore Selbourne Common
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
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 Zig-Zag Path
This path was cut by the naturalist Gilbert White and his brother in 1753 to make accessing Selbourne Common easier.
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.
The ascent is fairly gradual and not a challenging climb. We climbed for about ten minutes before reaching the top.
The path seems never-ending but the higher you climb, the more rewarding the view.
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.
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.
Visit the Selbourne Common website
Further Information
Nearest Town: Selbourne, near Alton
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU34 3JR
Opens: Daily
Cost: Free
Where to Eat: Either bring a picnic and blanket or alternatively, check out the Selbourne Arms, which is next to the car park.
Facilities: There are toilets and accessible toilets in the car park but nothing on the common.
How Long We Spent There: 2.5 hours
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.
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.
Cost of Parking: Free
Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies, stag beetles, dragonflies and other insects.
Information Written: June 2017
Information Checked: June 2025
Ratings
Our visit to Selbourne Common in Selbourne, near Alton, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.
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