The island of St Helena: a breath of fresh air

Is this remote tropical island the ultimate bucket-list destination for hikers? With 21 waymarked routes on the island, little-known St Helena serves up world-class walking opportunities.


by James Forrest |
Updated on

St Helena is one of the world’s remotest islands. Located in the South Atlantic Ocean, the British overseas territory is a massive 1,874km west of Africa and 4,000km east of Brazil, imbuing it with a tantalising sense of far-flung exoticness and tropical isolation.

And with 21 waymarked walking routes and more set to launch this year, the island is gaining a reputation as one of the world’s ultimate hiking destinations.

Lots Wifes Ponds St Helena Ed Thorpe
Lot's Wife's Ponds, St Helena ©Ed Thorpe

Boasting remarkable biodiversity, astounding mountainous terrain and a unique micro-climate, St Helena is a sub-tropical paradise billed as a “breath of fresh air in today’s world” and an “off-the-beaten-track, bucket-list destination that your friends will envy”. Think crystal clean air, a sparkling ocean environment and a back-to-basics vibe, all housed in a compact island sized 16km by 8km with a population of just 4,500. It’s a place to detox from the tech-centric, social-media-obsessed stresses of our modern world and instead experience the tranquillity and escapism of nature.

Known as “Post Box Walks” – named after the post boxes at end of each route, where walkers can stamp their logbooks – St Helena offers visitors 21 waymarked routes for exploring the island’s impeccable beauty. From short walks of just a few kilometres to challenging full-day hikes over technical terrain, there is something for everyone in St Helena, whether you’re a beginner bimbler or experienced hiker.

St Helena walking festival 1
©Ed Thorpe

Some routes stick to the idyllic coastline, others explore rolling moorlands and pasturelands, and the most dramatic climb to the summits of craggy volcanic peaks, ensuring there is a superb variety of landscapes to indulge in. Many walks also hint at the remarkable history of St Helena, from its Portuguese discovery, British colonial rule and even the famed exile of Napoleon Bonaparte on the island.

All walks are graded in terms of difficulty from 1 to 10, with suggested timings published for the average walker too. This makes it easy for tourists to pick and choose the right route for their fitness level.

Getting to and from St Helena is easier than ever. Airlink operates year-round flights from Johannesburg (6 hours) to St Helena’s award-winning airport, which was opened in 2017, while a new route via Cape Town is being launched in December 2024.

Once on the island, there is so much to do – from snorkeling with whale sharks and bird watching to e-biking and coffee plantation tours – but hiking is certainly the island’s up-and-coming attraction. Here are five of the best Post Box Walks to experience on the subtropical island of St Helena.

Sharks Valley St Helena Ed Thorpe
Sharks Valley, St Helena ©Ed Thorpe

1. Sharks Valley – 6km

This deep, gorge-like valley is a superb walk, with impressive flora. Starting from Levelwood, it’s one of the only valleys in St Helena with a constantly flowing stream, ending at the rocky valley mouth that opens to the sea. En route you’ll see banana trees and wild mangoes.

2. Thompsons Valley – 5.6km

Named after the large rocks in the pastures at the top of the valley that are said to resemble tombstones, this route takes you from green forests, across Ebony Plain and down to barren coastland. There is a relatively well-preserved Martello guard tower, battery and cannon coastal defence, showcasing St Helena’s intriguing military past.

Thompson Valley St Helena Ed Thorpe
Thompson Valley, St Helena ©Ed Thorpe

3. The Barn – 10.5km

Billed as one of the most difficult routes on the island, this walk should only be attempted by the most experienced of hikers. After traversing Deadwood Plain, the route enters an area of impressive geological features ending on top of a huge volcanic bluff with panoramic views across the east end of the island – a real delight not to be missed.

4. Sugar Loaf – 12km

This walk can be taken from Rupert’s or Deadwood Plain. Both routes offer a spectacular view and walkers can swim from the rocky beach at Banks when the conditions are calm. Most of the walk is above sea cliffs through dry coastland with some narrow paths. Banks itself is a well-preserved military battery that spans the mouth of the valley and the surrounding cliffs, accessible to explore.

5. South West Point – 7.5km

A relatively long walk through rolling pastures, this 7.5km route has great views of Manati Bay, Sperry Island and the Black Rocks. You might also see a number of endemic Wire birds. This trail can also be accessed using 4×4 vehicles that can be driven all the way to the top of the point.

Manati Bay St Helena Ed Thorpe
Manati Bay, St Helena ©Ed Thorpe

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