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.

Related pages

 Turnstile
 Kissing gate
 Cattle grid

Category:Agriculture
Category:Gates