Conquering Thompson’s Valley Postbox Hike: A Challenging Sunday Adventure
The Call of the Trail
There’s something about a Sunday morning that makes it the perfect time for a hike. Maybe it’s the crisp morning air, the sense of adventure, or simply the promise of a great story to tell afterward. This time, our chosen trail was Thompson’s Valley Postbox—a hike that boasts an 8/10 difficulty rating on the St Helena Tourism website.
With that in mind, we knew we were in for a real challenge. What we didn’t know was just how much it would push our endurance and willpower!
Located in the Blue Hill district, this hike offers a mixture of stunning scenery, historical landmarks, and some of the most unforgiving terrain on the island. As we laced up our hiking boots and packed our essentials, we were excited, a little apprehensive, and completely unaware of just how much we would suffer—especially on the way back up!
All Postbox Hikes have white posts with Green Directions
All postbox hikes have these white posts with green directions to show you the way. Having said that this hike i think needs a few more further down.
Setting Off: A False Sense of Security
The hike begins in an area bursting with lush greenery, offering an almost serene start to what would soon become an intense trek. Towering trees provided a cool canopy overhead, and birds chirped in the distance. At this point, the trail was relatively easy, and we soaked in the refreshing morning atmosphere.
But as any seasoned hiker knows, a trail that starts off easy is just lulling you into a false sense of security.
After a short descent, the terrain changed abruptly. The vibrant green forest thinned out, and we found ourselves in a more arid landscape. It was as if we had been transported to an entirely different environment—a rugged, almost safari-like setting with dry grass and rocky paths replacing the soft, leafy trails. The shade was gone, and with every step forward, the sun became more relentless.
The Wilderness and Signs of Life… and Death
As we continued our journey across the barren landscape, we spotted something that made us pause: scattered bones. Upon closer inspection, it became clear that they once belonged to wild sheep. It wasn’t difficult to guess what might have happened. The combination of heat, dehydration, and the steep terrain could easily prove fatal to an animal unprepared for the harsh conditions.
A grim thought crossed my mind—were we about to suffer the same fate? Okay, maybe not literally, but I couldn’t help but joke about it. The incline ahead looked brutal, and we weren’t even at the worst part yet.
Despite the eerie discovery, we pressed on. The landscape had a raw, untouched beauty to it, and in a way, it felt like we were walking through a piece of history. Thompson’s Valley isn’t just a hike; it’s a journey through the island’s past, shaped by volcanic forces and long-forgotten stories.
The Final Push to the Postbox
The closer we got to the postbox, the more challenging the trail became. Loose rocks made footing difficult, and steep inclines forced us to take frequent breaks. By this point, our water bottles were our best friends, and the sun felt like it was watching us struggle with an almost mischievous glee.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we spotted the postbox. A small sense of triumph kicked in as we approached it, our exhaustion momentarily forgotten. The tradition of signing the booklet and stamping our proof of conquest felt more rewarding than ever.
Would we do this hike again? Absolutely not. But were we proud of ourselves? 100%.
Exploring the Ruins and a Steep Descent
Just to the left of the postbox, a small ruin stood, its weathered walls barely holding up against time. The structure had begun to crumble, and we made sure to tread carefully around it. It served as a quiet reminder of the island’s past, though its exact history remains uncertain.
Below, another relic of history awaited—a cannon and an outpost, remnants of St Helena’s strategic defenses. While some adventurous hikers make their way down to explore it further, we had a different plan.
Instead of lingering, we decided to take on yet another challenge: a steep, rocky path leading down to a secluded pebble beach. The descent was tricky, with loose dirt and unstable footing. Proper hiking shoes were an absolute must here, and we were grateful for the extra grip they provided.
Outpost Ruin
The OutPost on the top of the hill, is falling to ruins - One should be careful when walking around it.
A Refreshing Dip in the South Atlantic
Reaching the beach felt like a reward in itself. The sight of the South Atlantic Ocean stretching endlessly before us was breathtaking. The waves were calmer than usual, allowing us to take a semi-dip in the cool water. It was the perfect way to refresh ourselves after the grueling hike down.
For about an hour, we let ourselves enjoy the moment, the exhaustion temporarily forgotten as we laughed, splashed around, and appreciated the rare serenity of this hidden gem. But in the back of our minds, we all knew what was coming next: the dreaded climb back up.
The Grueling Ascent
If the hike down had been challenging, the way back up was pure torture. The incline was steep, relentless, and unforgiving. Our legs protested with every step, and we had to stop countless times to catch our breath. At one point, we joked that we’d lost count of how many times we paused—easily a hundred!
The sun showed no mercy, and our water supply dwindled quickly. Every small bit of shade we found became a temporary refuge, a chance to breathe and prepare for the next stretch.
When we finally reached the tree line, it felt like hitting the jackpot. The return to level-ish ground was a blessing, and although we were moving slowly, we knew the hardest part was behind us.
“The” Decent
The Decent from the Postbox end down to the beach is “AT YOUR OWN RISK”.
Final Thoughts: Would We Do It Again?
By the time we made it back to where we started, we were beyond exhausted. But there was also a deep sense of accomplishment. Thompson’s Valley Postbox is not a hike for the faint-hearted, but it’s one that rewards you with stunning landscapes, a touch of history, and the ultimate bragging rights.
Would we willingly put ourselves through that again? Probably not. But would we recommend it to adventure seekers? Absolutely!
Essential Tips for Future Hikers
If you’re planning to take on Thompson’s Valley Postbox, here are some must-haves:
Proper Hiking Shoes: The terrain is rough, with loose dirt, rocks, and steep inclines. Good grip is essential.
Plenty of Water: Hydration is crucial, as the sun is unforgiving and there’s little shade.
Sun Protection: Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to shield yourself from the intense heat.
Snacks & Energy Boosters: You’ll need an energy boost, especially for the climb back up.
Caution Near Ruins & Loose Terrain: Be mindful of your footing, especially near the ruins and steep descents.
Pace Yourself: The climb back up is tough, so take breaks and listen to your body.
Stamp & Write!
Stamping your arm or leg, and writing your thoughts in the provided book is a must!
If you’re looking for a challenging yet rewarding adventure on St Helena, Thompson’s Valley Postbox should definitely be on your list.
Just be prepared for a hike that will push your limits—and make sure you have a solid excuse ready for why you’re walking funny the next day!
