Stiles in Britain Walking

Stiles in Britain

A characteristic feature of the British countryside are wooden stiles that allow access for walkers and hikers through fences but keep any animals safely inside. Stiles in Britain are another icon of the British countryside and you are bound to cross them on any walk or hike.

A stile on the Lyme Regis to Seaton undercliffs walk

Over the years, stiles have been built to provide a public right of way under legislation governing the countryside. The example pictured above is on the Lyme Regis to Seaton Undercliffs walk and clearly shows the footpath leading through the wheat field into the distance.

British stiles come in all shapes and sizes. Some are merely wooden steps, forming a barrier. Others are proper gates with hinges. Some may have wire fencing, while others may not. Be careful when using the step variety on a rainy day. The wooden step can get quite slippery in the wet.