The Barn Postbox Walk - Spectacular Views from St Helena’s Eastern Edge
Why The Barn Deserves a Spot on Your Hike List
If you’ve ever looked at St Helena Island’s jagged eastern horizon and wondered, “What’s that brooding rock formation towering over Longwood?”—congrats, you’ve spotted The Barn. It's as rugged as it sounds, as dramatic as you hope, and surprisingly accessible—provided you enjoy dodging sheep, balancing on wind-swept ridges, and channeling your inner mountain goat.
Over the weekend, I finally tackled this epic Postbox Walk, one of the island’s most unique trails. Spoiler alert: it was a wild mix of moody weather, otherworldly terrain, a pinch of vertigo, and jaw-dropping views. But don’t worry, I survived to tell the tale (and share what I wish I packed).
This blog post is your guide to conquering The Barn—a trail that’ll leave your legs burning, your phone bursting with panoramic shots, and your soul screaming “worth it!” Whether you're an experienced hiker or a curious explorer looking to check off another Postbox Walk, this one is bound to leave a mark. Not just on your hiking boots, but on your memory.
What makes The Barn stand out isn't just its striking silhouette or its commanding views. It’s the way the hike teases you with gentle starts before launching you into terrain that feels pulled from a sci-fi movie. It’s the blend of solitude and awe. It’s the fact that you can go from wind farms to cliff edges in a single day. And let's be honest—how often do you get to hike a place that has been compared to both Mars and Middle Earth?
So tighten your laces and let’s dive in.
Getting to The Barn's trailhead is an experience in itself. Located in the district of Longwood, the starting point is situated at the bottom of the Flagstaff Postbox Walk. You’ll be heading towards the northeast of the island, and if you’ve never driven through this part of St Helena before, you're in for a visual treat.
To access the start of the trail, you drive through the Wind Farm operated by Connect Saint Helena Ltd. The towering turbines spin slowly, almost hypnotically, and there's something quite surreal about driving between them. They stand like futuristic sentinels in the middle of this historic and raw island landscape, generating clean energy while framing your path to adventure.
The road to the start is relatively straightforward for most vehicles, although wet conditions can make it a bit slippery. As we approached, clouds loomed overhead, and The Barn itself was cloaked in fog. It was the kind of weather that makes you question your plans—but also adds a little mystery and drama to the journey.
Parking is limited but usually not a problem. From there, it's time to shoulder your pack, check your laces, and head off into the unknown. If you’re lucky, the clouds will lift. If not—well, that just adds to the mystique.
At first glance, The Barn Walk doesn’t seem all that menacing. You begin by walking through open fields that could easily be mistaken for a slice of countryside somewhere in the British Isles. Rolling green hills, grazing sheep, and a generally peaceful vibe welcome you into the journey.
The sheep—blissfully unaware of the climbing chaos that lies ahead—make excellent unofficial trail markers. They stare, chew, and shuffle out of the way with zero urgency. It's oddly therapeutic to share space with these fluffy locals. Some may even escort you part of the way before deciding you're too slow.
The terrain starts off soft and easy underfoot. There are gentle slopes and worn paths from hikers and livestock alike. But as the trail continues, there are hints of what's to come. The lushness of the grass gives way to harder ground. The wind begins to pick up. And the horizon? Let’s just say it starts looking a bit more dramatic.
This section gives you a chance to warm up—physically and mentally. While it's not yet challenging, it's the calm before the (literal) climb. Take it in. Snap a few photos. And say goodbye to soft grass. Spoiler: you won't be seeing much more of it.
This Way!
The entrance to the path way, gives a safety notice of “Slippery when wet”. So take notice to this and remember it.
Mars Called – They Want Their Landscape Back
Once you pass the open fields, the trail undergoes a complete transformation. Suddenly, you're no longer in a countryside idyll—you're somewhere else entirely. The landscape becomes barren and rocky, with sharp textures and an orange-red hue that makes you wonder if you’ve taken a wrong turn onto a NASA test site.
This part of the trail is dry and dusty, especially in fair weather, and the volcanic nature of St Helena shows itself here in full force. Erosion has sculpted the land into dramatic shapes and ridges. It’s quiet in a different way—not peaceful, but profound. You feel small here, like a tiny figure crossing a vast alien world.
The trail surface is more challenging here. Rocks, loose gravel, and uneven paths require a little more focus with each step. The incline is more noticeable, and your legs start to feel the effort. If it's windy (and it usually is), you'll feel it cutting across the open space with little to block it.
Still, there's beauty in the harshness. Look behind you—the views start opening up. Look ahead, and The Barn rises slowly into view. It might be wrapped in cloud or glowing in the afternoon sun, but either way, it looms like a goal worth striving toward.
That Narrow Bit (aka “The Nerve Test”)
Eventually, you reach what I like to call The Nerve Test. This section is not for the faint-hearted. The trail narrows significantly and hugs the edge of a slope that drops away dramatically on one or both sides. It's not quite a knife-edge ridge, but it might feel like it if you’re not comfortable with heights.
The good news? The views here are unbelievable. The bad news? You'll need to force yourself to stop and take them in because focusing on your footing becomes priority number one.
This is the part of the hike where conversations fade. Everyone zones in, quietly placing one boot in front of the other. If you have a fear of heights, this is where it’ll show up. But with steady steps and a cool head, it’s manageable.
Adding to the drama is a section with a fixed rope to assist you. It's not technical climbing, but the rope provides reassurance, especially if the wind picks up or the ground is slick. For us, it was a godsend. It made the narrow path feel just a little more secure.
Pro tip: Don’t rush this section. Go slow, focus on your breathing, and remember—you’re nearly there.
Just when you think you've made it, The Barn throws in one last challenge—the final climb. It’s short, but steep, and by now your legs are probably sending you passive-aggressive messages.
The incline increases, and the path becomes rockier. In places, it almost feels like scrambling, but thankfully the trail is clear and well-trodden. If the wind wasn’t strong earlier, you can be sure it will be now. There's something about this stretch that feels raw and wild—a true climax to the hike.
Another rope section helps you haul yourself up a particularly steep bit. Again, it’s not technical, but it’s definitely challenging. The sense of exposure, the biting wind, and the anticipation of reaching the summit all build into a final push that’s as mental as it is physical.
And then—you arrive.
Standing atop The Barn is like arriving on another planet. You feel completely removed from the world below. There are no buildings, no traffic, just the wind and the sky and the silence.
To one side, you can see the Airport runway, an engineering marvel carved into the island’s eastern plain. To the other, Longwood stretches out like a living tapestry—homes, roads, and gardens laid neatly below. And everywhere else? Ocean. Endless, horizon-eating Atlantic.
We were lucky enough to catch a brief break in the clouds. The sun peeked through, lighting the rock in golden hues and revealing the incredible detail of the surrounding ridgelines. We took our photos, stamped our Postbox Walk cards, and just stood in awe.
It was a moment of quiet triumph—earned, cherished, and unforgettable.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Gear Checklist: Don’t Leave Without These
Here’s what we recommend bringing:
Sturdy hiking boots (with ankle support for rocky paths)
Weather-proof jacket (windbreaker and rain resistant)
1.5+ litres of water (minimum per person)
High-energy snacks (trail mix, protein bars, sweets)
Lightweight walking poles (optional but useful)
First aid kit (basic supplies)
Fully charged phone (consider airplane mode to save battery)
Offline GPS app or printed map
Sunscreen and lip balm (even on cloudy days)
Hat and sunglasses
Small backpack to carry everything
Safety First: What You Need to Know
Always check the weather forecast before heading out. Fog, rain, or wind can make parts of the trail risky.
Don’t hike alone unless you’re very experienced and know the trail.
Tell someone your route and expected return time.
Start early to allow plenty of time before nightfall.
Wear proper gear and avoid trainers or sandals.
Go slow on the narrow sections and use the rope aids.
Keep your footing especially if it's wet or muddy.
Don’t rely on mobile service; it can be patchy.
Difficulty Rating: 8/10 and Proud
Out of all the Postbox Walks we’ve done, The Barn earns a solid 8 out of 10. It’s not the most technically difficult, but it demands respect. The shifting terrain, exposure to wind, and steep sections make it a trail for prepared hikers.
This is not a beginner-friendly stroll. You need a base level of fitness, some trail confidence, and a head for heights. But that being said, it’s one of the most rewarding hikes on the island. If you want a walk that challenges and amazes in equal measure—this is it.
Final Thoughts: Would We Do It Again? (Spoiler: Yes, With Snacks)
Would we do it again? Absolutely. Maybe with better weather. Maybe with a thermos of tea. Definitely with a bigger snack pack.
The Barn delivers everything a hiker could want: dramatic views, changing terrain, a touch of danger, and a sense of real accomplishment. It showcases the raw beauty of St Helena in one unforgettable loop.
If you’re visiting or living on the island and want to see St Helena from a new angle, don’t miss this Postbox Walk. Just prepare well, bring a buddy, and maybe practice your sheep diplomacy beforehand.
