The magic of public footpaths

They’re everywhere!  The public footpath system in the UK is wonderful. Period. That’s all I have to say from my perspective as a walker. Perhaps I would have a different opinion of I owned property crossed by a footpath, but I hope not. The rules are straightforward: keep dogs under control and leashed of livestock is nearby; if the gate is open, leave it open; if the gate is closed, close it behind you; don’t litter; don’t chase the livestock; and stay on the path. Generally, they are well marked, with posts or signs and convenient footbridges across streams (and occasionally stepping stones that try your balance). The two upper pics are from the Cotswold Way, and the bottom ones are from Malham in Yorkshire.

As you travel the footpaths, you cross a lot of farmlands, and there are multiple ways to get from one field to another: Stiles, ladders, gates, and old-fashioned kissing gates. Most of these are designed to permit human traffic but thwart the sheep. Stiles can be stone or wood – here’s Julie (the poet I wrote about earlier) climbing a stile in the Peaks District, but also notice the stone stile – those are some stout rocks. It took strong backs to build those walls. Notice the landscape in the lower picture. The English trust that you are not a complete fool and will keep away from the edge. There are often no fences to make sure you do, simply a reliance on the Darwin effect. I guess you only make that mistake once.

Here’s a ladder style of stile (see what I did there???) that is pretty typical, including the mud! The footpaths are well used, and the climate abundantly moist (and very much so this year in particular, they tell me). Most of the locals that I encounter out walking are wearing wellies. The mud and rocks and water take a toll on your shoes – I have destroyed one pair of waterproof trail runners already, and replaced them with a new pair of waterproof hiking boots. They stood up well to ankle deep mud on their first 8 miles yesterday. So far so good.

Gates are also a thing, and some landowners have ingeniously ensured that the gate will close behind a walker. Do you see the big rock attached to the chain on the gate below left? Its weight will ensure the gate closes every time. The gate latch mechanisms are also well thought out. Notice the lever which permits one to open the gate with their forearm!  And sometimes the gates are just very pretty, almost works of art!

I’m going to close with a couple of pictures that made me smile. First, an interesting sign in the railway station “loo” (why would I be flushing tea bags down the toilet??? There’s so much wrong with that idea, but I expect the sign is there for a reason). Second, of all things, a cow brush. Because don’t we all want to look our best?