In England and Wales a Public Footpath is a path that the public has a legally protected right to travel on foot. Normally extended only to walking, most footpaths in the countryside are hundreds of years old. There are estimated to be 140,000 miles (225,000km) of public rights of way, consisting mainly of footpaths and the figure for Scotland is estimated to be 9,300 miles (15,000km).
But as there are endless fences, walls, and hedgerows to cross, one of the more important things needed while walking England are stiles. A stile is a structure which allows people passage through or over a fence, wall or hedgerow and prevents farm animals from doing the same thing. Stiles come in various configurations, hence they can provide great amusement to those unfamiliar with them.
