We have an ongoing programme of installing gates in place of stiles which are difficult to negotiate. This has become an "Improving Access" project, providing direct benefit to everybody who uses the local footpaths. In addition, it helps to raise the profile of Sevenoaks Ramblers, and also provides an opportunity for us to celebrate the lives of active members who have passed away.
Initially, we made contact with the KCC Footpath Officer, and established that they were prepared to supply either a self-closing or kissing gates for a small donation and get their contractors to install them, with us responsible for the cost of installation. With her assistance we got permission from the landowner to replace two stiles with self-closing gates on or near the Greensand Way at Ide Hill. Separately, we source and attach appropriate signs explaining that the gates are "Installed by Sevenoaks Ramblers, Improving Access and Protecting Rights of Way", and in addition, in the case of these first two gates, commemorating two long-standing and very active Sevenoaks members, Kate Evans and John Charles.
Our current aim is to replace two or three stiles each year, and eventually to have replaced a stile or stiles in each of the Sevenoaks parishes. To date, with the assistance of the KCC Footpath Officer, we have replaced seven stiles, in the parishes of Brasted, Seal and West Kingsdown, and are working on another one or two for possible replacement this year.
Sevenoaks Ramblers most recent stile replacement was on the footpath from the road near Cotmans Ash through to Tinker Pot Lane, crossing the driving range of the former Woodlands Manor golf course. This is another "Awkward" stile we have funded the replacement of in recent years, thereby improving access for everyone using this path.
As you will see from the pictures the former "Ladder Stile" was difficult to negotiate for the less agile while the gate that replaced it is far easier to use.
Originally migrated from https://sevenoaksramblers.org.uk/walks/improving-access-locally.html.
