Hobbiton–Kettlespout (Slippery Path)

⚠️ The name is honest: this path is genuinely slippery. Not suitable for
children. Avoid in or after wet weather.

Grade: 🔴 Red · Distance: 5 km loop · Time: ~2 hours · Climb: steep — 170 m of ascent
Starts at: the Hobbiton trapeze tower, Wolfridge Road
Wet weather: avoid — very slippery

The walk

The back route to Kettlespout Falls, and one of Hogsback’s most satisfying earns.
From the trapeze tower at Hobbiton (the blue roofs on Wolfridge Road) the famous
Slippery Path climbs through forest, with viewpoints opening over the valley as you
gain height, all the way to the top of Kettlespout Falls — then loops you back down
to Hobbiton.

That wet-weather warning, incidentally, has been in print for sixty years — the
1960s guides already called this “a very steep shortcut, not recommended in wet
weather”. Some things don’t change.

What you’ll see

• Proper forest climbing with valley viewpoints along the way
• The top of Kettlespout Falls — on the right day the wind fires the water five
  metres straight up
• The Holy Cypress trees close to the route — an easy
  ten-minute side stop

Practical tips

• Good boots and a walking stick are essential — no exceptions.
• Fit adults only; not suitable for children.
• Prefer the gentler way up? Take the
  Kettlespout Top route from the Stone Seat.

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Starts at the Hobbiton gate · Back to the hiking hub.