jacob's ladder

geoffreyi251

Jacobs Ladder is one of the top attractions in Jamestown, originally constructed to haul manure up the near vertical cliff face to higher fields. It's actually a staircase cut into the rock, there's a handrail. If you complete the climb the local museum gives you a certificate. It is possible to get back down to Jamestown by walking along the road.You get great views looking down the ladder and across Jamestown from the top.

MartinP182

The views at the top are amazing - climbing it is rewarding and do it at your own pace - anything between 10 and 20 minutes. The record is just over 5!

belegaer_cpt

When visiting St Helena, The ladder is a must do, might look scary from the bottom but it's an actual delight when upstairs. Maybe try by night also, less scary and the view is still amazing.

Nanacharms

This if for the fit and fanatical. I did 12 for my photo and 12 back down...24 in total phew!!!!!!! But I watched others doing it. Well done.

625philippet

Once you get into the Saint swing its easy but its recommended that you take a bottle of water for half way.Your time will come down the more you do it,and so will the weight

872vincet

Jacob's Ladder in Jamestown used to be a railway operated by a capstan at Ladder Hill situated at the top of the ladder. It was originally built in the 1830's by the last governor appointed by the East India Company. St Helena became a Crown Colony soon after. If you succeed in climbing to the top of the Ladder you can claim a certificate from the Museum of St Helena - which is situated down at the bottom of the Ladder!

judemymum

Loved it, but didn't attempt to climb or descend the 699 steps! It is lit up at night, as is the Ladder Hill Road, which looks wonderful.

Incalee

So glad I did it. The ladder dominates Jamestown beckoning you up it all day and is difficult to ignore! We did it on day 1- 15 mins for me, 7 for my husband. Whales in the bay below were a welcome distraction. A must do, as are visiting the old barracks and gun emplacementsvat the top.

TrevandSarah

Great experience and you must climb the ladder no matter how long it takes you. All 699 steps are worthwhile for the views. Don't forget to collect your certificate of completion from the nearby museum

Anon70

My husband did this when we visited St Helena, sadly I have a knee problem so climbing 699 stairs is out of the question for me! Gordon was pleased to achieve it and got some good photos from the top. We did then, of course, go to the museum so Gordon could get his certificate of achievement for completing Jacob's Ladder. Definitely worth doing if you're fit enough. You can get the views by driving up to the top of Ladder Hill Road so those not fit enought to climb the ladder needn't miss out.

CharnP_13

The Jacob's Ladder was the many steps leading up to upper part of Saint Helena Island. The straight up ladder with high steps put a lot of stress on your leg's muscles. We arrived on a cruise ship from Cape Town to Rio and St. Helena Island was one of the stop. We were told of the challenge to climb the Jacob's Ladder which promised a certificate of recognition for anyone who achieve the trip up to the top and down. We were the few that took the challenge and achieved it with comfort. The sight from the top was nice but not fantastic.

81rm

JACOBS LADDER is correctly advertised as one of the MUST DO experiences when visiting the fascinating Island - St Helena.A gentle walk past the famous Church (in the Square) Very well worth a visit, as also a visit to the fabulous Museum, all on the way, will inspire you to actually do the climb!You can decide to climb in a non-stop race, or do as I did; stop after every 100 hundred step and take in the views, taking photo's a you go. The time goes so quickly!The views from top are wonderful.You can see the remains of a vessel that sank in the bay, many years ago and well described and illustrated in the Museum. It was my good fortune that the owner of the Consulate Hotel, also a great place to stay, have a drink and or meal,, VOLUNTEERED to give me a lift back down to the Hotel. certainly ADD this to your Bucket List!

JohanJ_11

699 steps - most definitely not for the faint hearted. There is a rich history behind these steps. Those interested to visit St Helena Island, situated 3100km north-west from Cape Town in the Atlantic ocean can visit www.sthelenatourism.co.za

mesnard

There's a path half way up where you can stop to rest, and a toilet at the top and bottom. Slippery when wet!

FrancoisF5100

A visit to St Helena Island is not complete if you have not climbed Jacobs ladder. If you suffer from vertigo do not try. I tried but only made it halfway - 350 of the 699 steps. Got the most beautiful pictures of Jamestown and James Bay from that vantage point. Definitely a "must do" when visiting this special Island.