Stile facts for kids

A wooden stile

A stile is a simple structure, often made of wood or stone, that helps people climb over a fence or wall in the countryside. Imagine you are walking on a path through a field where animals like cows or sheep are grazing. A stile lets you cross the fence without opening a gate, which helps keep the animals safely inside the field.

What is a Stile?

Stiles are like special steps or ladders built into a fence. They are used on public footpaths, which are special paths that people have a right to walk on, even if they cross private land. The main reason for using a stile instead of a gate is to make sure farm animals do not escape. If a gate were left open by mistake, the animals could wander off.

Why Do We Use Stiles?

Stiles are very common in places like the United Kingdom, where many public footpaths cross farmland. They help walkers enjoy the beautiful countryside while also protecting farmers' animals. They are a clever way to allow people to pass through without disturbing the animals or their enclosures.

Different Kinds of Stiles

There are many types of stiles. Some are simple wooden steps, while others might be stone steps built into a wall. There are also "squeeze stiles," which are narrow gaps that people can walk through but animals cannot. Some stiles are designed like small ladders, especially when the fence or wall is very tall.

Other Ways to Cross

While stiles are useful, they can be difficult for some people to use, especially those who use wheelchairs or have trouble climbing. Because of this, other ways to cross fences are sometimes used. One example is a kissing gate. A kissing gate lets one person through at a time and always closes itself, so animals cannot get out.

Images for kids

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  A wooden stile in Esha Ness, Shetland.

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  Bridge-shaped stile in Hanbury, Worcestershire

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  A squeeze stile

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  Ladder stile in Snowdonia

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  Ranaghan Westmeath Mass-path Stile

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  Construction of Ranaghan Mass path Stile

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  Stile with dog gate

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  Low-level stile

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  A step stile in the Lake District National Park

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  Modern roadside stile in Sweden.