Kettlespout Parking (Stone Seat)
The launchpad for Kettlespout Falls and the Tor Doone summit.
Where it is
Drive along Forest Drive following the Kettlespout signs to the Stone Seat parking
area. The Kettlespout footpath signboard is about 200 m down the road from the
stone bench and parking area.
Don’t confuse the names: the Stone Seat here at the parking area on Forest
Drive and the Stone Bench clearing on the Contour Path are two different places.
What it accesses
This is the launchpad for the high ground. Ten minutes gets you the Holy Cypress
trees; an easy service-road climb gets you to the top of Kettlespout Falls, where a
strong wind blows the water five metres skywards in a spout of mist. Commit to the
Tor Doone climb and the whole of Hogsback lays itself out below the summit’s view
rock — village, forests, Gaika’s Kop — with the horseshoe ruins of Fort Michel, a Frontier-Wars National Monument, on the neighbouring hill.
Spring covers the slopes in wildflowers.
Pick your walk
| Time you have | Walk | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 10 min | Holy Cypress Trees (“Sacred Firs”) — fairly even walk from the parking bay | 🟢 Green |
| 1.5 hrs | Kettlespout Top via service road (3.7 km return) | 🟡 Yellow |
| 2.5 hrs | Tor Doone summit + panoramic view rock (5.6 km return) | 🔴 Red |
| +1 hr | Add Fort Michel from the Tor Doone summit | 🟡 Yellow |
| 3.5 hrs | Full combo: Circular Walk + Stone Seat + Tor Doone (7.8 km, start Oak Avenue) | 🔴 Red |
Safety at this gate
There is a sudden, big drop at the Kettlespout edge — no children or pets near the
edge. Boots and a walking stick are essential. On the Tor Doone climb, do not take
any right turns on the way up. Descents are dangerous when wet — avoid in rain. On
the Tor Doone descent use the firebreak — do not go down the steps.
Back to the Hogsback hiking hub.