Kissing gates welcome walkers in Hurst

Kissing gates have replaced four stiles on walking routes around Hurst village near to Lines Road and Dunt Lane.

Kissing gates are hinged but designed in such a way that only people, not livestock, can pass through. Compared to stiles, they are also far more accessible for people of all ages and abilities making local open spaces easier to reach.

The new gates were funded by us, the Ramblers’ Association and Hurst Parish Council. And landowner John Belcher, who owns Hatch Gate Farm, kindly agreed to the gates going on the public footpaths across his land.

“We’re planning to replace three more stiles with gates in Barkham parish next year,” said Steve Vale from the Ramblers’ Association, “and we’ve already replaced stiles in Finchampstead and Wargrave parishes. We want to make the network easier for walkers to use.”

Our Rights of Way Improvement Plan sets out our desire, if landowners agree and with support from the Rambler’s Association, to eventually replace every stile across the Wokingham Borough with more accessible gates.