Public footpaths are an essential part of the British countryside, providing access for walkers, ramblers, and the wider community to enjoy the outdoors.

To ensure these routes are secure, practical, and accessible, it’s important to choose the right footpath gates specifically designed to suit the location and needs. 

In this guide, we explore the types of public footpath gates available, including how they differ in design, accessibility, and suitability for various terrains. 

footpath gates

What Is a Footpath Gate? 

A footpath gate is a type of gate installed along designated public rights of way to control access and protect land (for example, to prevent livestock from escaping), while still allowing the public to pass through. 

These gates often need to strike a balance between being secure and user-friendly, especially as countryside access should be inclusive and as barrier-free as possible for people with limited mobility. 

Types of Public Footpath Gates

At Jacksons Fencing, our range of rural gates is crafted to meet the needs of agricultural landowners, local authorities, and conservation bodies. Each gate is manufactured from high quality timber which is, vacuum pressure treated with our unique Jakcure® timber treatment and guaranteed for 25 -years against rot and insect attack. 

Here are the most commonly used types of public footpath gates: 

  1. Universal Gates

Universal or Uni gates are one of the most straightforward footpath gate options. Designed to allow easy access for walkers, they are compact and simple to use, usually consisting of a single swing gate with self-closing hinges and most suitably fitted with a spring catch or automatic latch.  

Pros: 

Accessibility: 

Some pedestrian gates can be difficult for users with mobility aids or pushchairs. Adding a wider opening or using auto latches can help improve usability. 

 

 

 

  1. Kissing Gates

Kissing gates are a traditional choice for public footpaths and are often found in conservation or heritage settings. They consist of a small semi-enclosed area with a gate that swings between two sides of a V or U-shaped enclosure. 

Pros: 

  • Prevents livestock from passing through 
  • Deters motorbikes and vehicles 
  • Visually sympathetic to the countryside 

Accessibility: 
Kissing gates can pose challenges for wheelchair users or those with large dogs. Some designs include accessible versions, with wider enclosures and easier latches. 

gates for rural areas

  1. Mobility Kissing Gates 

With increased focus on accessibility across the countryside network, more landowners are choosing to install public footpath gates that meet inclusive design standards. These often include extra-wide openings and can be fitted with RADAR key systems to provide secure but accessible entry for disabled users. 

Pros: 

  • Complies with Equality Act 2010 guidance 
  • Provides independence to wheelchair users 

Accessibility: 
These are the most inclusive gates currently available, ideal for popular walking routes or near car parks and nature reserves. 

Mobility Kissing Gate

mobility-kissing-gate

In addition to gates, stiles are another traditional method of allowing pedestrian access through field boundaries or fencing on public footpaths. A stile typically consists of a step or series of steps that enable walkers to climb over a fence or wall, often seen in older rural landscapes. While they are effective in preventing livestock from straying, stiles can pose significant challenges for accessibility. They are difficult to use for those with limited mobility, pushchairs, or dogs. In recent years, many local authorities and landowners have opted to replace stiles with more inclusive footpath gates, particularly where footpaths see frequent use or are part of promoted walking routes. However, where stiles remain appropriate, they should be well-maintained, stable, and clearly marked to ensure safe passage. 

stile for rural footpaths

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Footpath Gate 

When selecting a gate for a public footpath or rural area, consider the following: 

  1. Purpose: Is it for a high-traffic walking route or a quiet, remote field? 
  2. Security: Are you containing livestock? 
  3. Accessibility: Will it be used by wheelchair users, dog walkers, or families with pushchairs? 
  4. Durability: Does it need to withstand frequent use or harsh weather? 
  5. Aesthetics: Should it blend in with the rural or historic surroundings? 

When selecting a rural gate, the locking or closing mechanism plays a vital role in ensuring security, ease of use, and longevity. The most common closing mechanisms for footpath gates and public footpath gates include self-closing spring hinges, gravity latches, and simple bolt systems. Self-closing hinges are particularly popular for pedestrian and kissing gates, as they help maintain secure closure after each use, reducing the risk of livestock escaping or gates being left open accidentally. These are especially useful in high-footfall areas or where gates are part of a managed public access route. 

For locking, traditional drop bolts or padlock hasps are often used for field gates, allowing the gate to be secured, when necessary, particularly on private land or during certain seasons. In areas requiring controlled public access, key-operated locks, including RADAR key systems, are ideal. These provide accessibility for authorised users, such as disabled visitors, while maintaining boundary control. 

Gate locks and closing mechanisms

Whether you're maintaining a countryside trail, a farm boundary, or a nature reserve, it’s more than just access, it's about creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all users. By understanding the different types of rural gates and their applications, you can make informed decisions that respect both the land and those who wish to enjoy it.