Near Stanford, Kent – 4/10

At first glance it is very easy to be fooled by the seemingly innovative and unique approach here that is produced by the highly controversial ‘two-sided step ladder’ design. Though it is most certainly frowned upon by the purists, it does have the potential to offer great stability with its generous helping of steps – which are of course the very things that are frequently and tragically often lacking from so many stiles these days!

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However, on closer inspection any initial potential and promise is complete wasted by a total lack of care and attention, with the wooden steps unsettlingly looking like they are on the verge of snapping under the weight of a heavy rainstorm, while the ground on both sides is overgrown – leading to poor access and a trepidatious experience.

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Then to add insult to injury (well, actually injury to injury!) is the extremely sharp top of one of the posts ready to catch out the innocent hiker as they unsuspectingly grab the top of the post for crucial balance. I hate to court controversy; but this appears to be yet another bitter and twisted landowner trying to get some kind of sick revenge on people that are simply exercising their right to ramble!