Tor Doone from Stone Seat
Grade: 🔴 Red · Distance: 5.6 km return · Time: ~2.5 hours
Climb: long moderate climb, steep descent
Starts at: Kettlespout Parking (Stone Seat), Forest Drive
Wet weather: avoid — the steep descent becomes dangerous when wet
The walk
Tor Doone is the summit day most visitors can actually do — and the view is worth
every step. From the Stone Seat parking area on Forest Drive, the route climbs long
and steadily to the summit and its panoramic view rock: one of the best viewpoints
over the village, the forests and across to Gaika’s Kop. In springtime the slopes
are covered in wildflowers.
Near the top, look to the adjoining hillside towards Gaika’s Kop and you’ll spot the
horseshoe-shaped foundations of Fort Michel — a British Frontier-Wars fort and declared National Monument.
The descent is the serious bit: steep, and dangerous when wet.
What you’ll see
- The summit view rock — village, forests and Gaika’s Kop in one sweep
- The ruins of Fort Michel on the neighbouring hill
- Spring wildflowers across the slopes
Practical tips
- Do not take any right turns on the way up.
- On the descent, use the firebreak — do NOT go down the steps (a warning that
has stood in print for years). - Boots and a walking stick essential. Avoid the route entirely when wet.
- The classic long version: Circular Walk + Stone Seat +
Tor Doone = 7.8 km, ~3.5 hours, starting from Oak Avenue.
Starts at Kettlespout Parking (Stone Seat) · Back to the hiking hub.