This mountain dominates your view from some parts of the island with its massive presence in the North East of the Island. Coming from Jamestown it looks like a mini-table mountain, large uncompromising and with a flat top, and like the original Table Mountain in Cape Town, it also can have its own “table-cloth” of clouds.
Walking in St Helena isn’t like anywhere else – no fences are going to protect you from cliff edges, and sometimes the terrain (such as the screen on coastal walks) takes some getting used to. The toughest bit of the Barn hike is the ridge, downhill on screen, a narrow path with cliff edge on the left and ‘death by cactus’ on the right. Don’t go for the first time without a guide, and absolutely wear the right shoes. If you’re not a practiced walker, don’t do this at all. But if you are a strong walker, then well, if this was skiing this would be a ‘black’ run, and if you can easily handle this, then you might as well start asking locals about the ‘blue dot walks’.
How long is the Hike to The Barn?
The barn mountains id located at an altitude of 390-617 meters above sea level and the hike is approximately 10 km and it can take 3 hours for those who are strong or more if you’re slower but ensure you have hiking sticks.
Rules of Hiking the Barn Mountains St Helena
It is always recommended to be accompanied by a guide.
Take plenty of water, even on the simplest of walks.
Take a small snack.
Always walk as a group with at least one companion, especially on walks rated five or above.
Let someone responsible know where you are going and when you are expected to return.
Take a mobile phone with you.
Take adequate sun protection and wear a wide-brimmed hat
