Things to do in Hogsback
Hogsback sits high in the Amathole mountains, wrapped in old forest. Most days here are a walk, a coffee and a slow afternoon.
From above Windrush: the peaks behind the village, then the escarpment edge and the plains far below.
Forest walks and waterfalls
The forest is the reason to come. Five walks to start with:
- Madonna and Child Falls
- Kettlespout Falls
- Swallowtail Falls
- Bridal Veil Falls
- The 39 Steps
Not sure which one suits the weather and your legs? Ask us. We will point you to the right path and tell you what the ground is like.
Places worth a stop
The Big Tree
A giant yellowwood tree.
The arboretum
Trees to wander among.
The Eco Shrine
One of Hogsback's well-known sights.
St Patrick's on the Hill
The village's chapel on the hill.
Cafés and galleries
Hogsback village has cafés and galleries to browse.
The Amathole Hiking Trail
A long-distance hiking trail through the Amathole mountains. The longest race at the Hobbit Trail Runs follows it.
The Tolkien legend
Local legend says that J.R.R. Tolkien drew on Hogsback's forests when he imagined Middle-earth. It is a story the village loves to tell, and we pass it on as a story. We cannot promise it is true.
Whatever the truth, the forest on a misty morning makes the story easy to believe.
Events through the year
Christmas in July
A weekend of winter festivities in late July, with markets and live music. The 2026 festival ran from 24 to 26 July.
Hobbit Trail Runs
A weekend of trail races in Hogsback in late April each year, from 5 km up to a 90 km run on the Amathole Hiking Trail. See retreats and running.
Other annual events
Ask us what is on during your stay.
In winter there is sometimes snow on the mountain. Tell us if you want to hear when it is coming: tick the box on our contact form.
Stay close to it all
Windrush is a little way out of Hogsback village, on the escarpment edge, up in the clouds. Your hosts live on the property and know the paths, the cafés and who is open today.