Stile
A stile is a simple wooden structure which helps people to climb over a fence in the countryside. Where there is a footpath (a right of way) which goes through a field with animals, there may be a stile so that walkers can climb over out of the field. The stile is there instead of a gate. If there were a gate and there were animals in the field, the animals could escape if the gate were left open. Stiles are, of course, a problem for people who are disabled.
There are many stiles in the countryside in the United Kingdom. Another way of letting walkers through but keeping animals in is to use a kissing gate.
Stile Media
Squeezer stile. This stile is located on the footpath leading down from the High Peak Trail to Roystone Grange.
Bridge-shaped stile in Hanbury, Worcestershire
Ladder stile in Snowdonia
Ranaghan Westmeath Mass-path Stile
Stile with dog gate - to the right.
Stile along the disused Thames and Severn Canal towpath at Sapperton, Gloucestershire
A step stile in the Lake District National Park
Modern roadside stile in Sweden
