Near Cuxton, Kent – 4/10

This truly is a unique specimen that is straight from an assault course, and not something one would ever expect to come across on a public right of way! The definition of stile is very much based on the function it serves rather than its design, so therefore, this thing is very much a stile – albeit one of the most extreme examples that fully demonstrates the extreme reluctance, resentment and bitterness displayed by landowners of allowing the public to exercise their right to roam on their sacred land.

The five (!) slots for shoes are only just big enough for hiking boots, and then navigation over the top is ‘aided’ by the metal thing (not really sure what to call it – and considering what is on offer here, it does not deserve a name!) at the top on either side while holding on to the metal handle (an admittedly handy addition – so credit for that), but some serious concentration is required here. For those where this ‘stile’ (though ‘blockage’ may be a more appropriate name) is at the end of a long walk and fatigue is setting in, then this could be quite an extreme challenge. Also, make sure to avoid that out-of-control barbed wire on either side!

This is certainly one of the hardest stiles to score, as marks are often granted for originality, but it seems that marks should be granted for the sheer audacity of this stile even existing! Then on the flipside, marks have to be deducted for the fact that there is a high level of peril and risk of injury!

The sign too maybe is intended as some kind of joke, as getting a dog over this would be quite a challenge! Perhaps it is just as well; as it seems that the years of oppression from being ordered about by dogs has lead to the sheep developing an ability to now tell dogs what to do – whether this is by a natural air of authority or some kind of mind control, it is probably best not to take man’s best friend into this field, as who knows what those nasty sheep will make your dog do!