Around Derwentwater 9 - Ladder Stile

Way, way back, not long after I first began this blog, I ran a mini series of 4 scattered posts about stiles. I like stiles! I'm not exactly sure why, but they appeal to me as structures. Occasionally, I join with a friend in a walking group and there is one member who is a bit of a purist, insisting on climbing every stile, even when it is positioned next to a wide open gate or an enormous gap in the wall. I can sort of identify with her; though more so at the beginning of the walk when my legs are fresh, than at the end.

It's taken me a while to snap a ladder stile because they are less common than other kinds. All designs of stile set their own peculiar problems when it comes to accessibility, but, for many, the ladder stile is the biggest pain of all. Imagine coaxing a dog over one of these, or lifting a pushchair or bicycle. All possible, but problematic.

As a result, ladder stiles are built as a bit of a last resort; but prove particularly useful where a wall needs to be surmounted. They tend to be more common in upland areas and on moorlands, but this one is at the foot of Shepherd's Crag in Borrowdale.

If you want to check out other stiles, click the label at the bottom of this post.