Kissing gates were traditionally built to be stock proof with the gate in any position, while allowing the passage of people. Their advantage was that they were virtually foolproof, and did not need latches or springs to be stock proof, nor could they be accidentally left open, or purposely propped or tied open.
For modern day use they have a particular disadvantage, as they are not easily passable by walkers with large backpacks and baby carriers, and if made large enough to be passable, are no longer sheep proof. Before deciding on a kissing gate, assess carefully the use of the site, as it may be just as effective to have an ordinary gate with a spring and latch, so that it is self-closing. A kissing gate that needs a spring and latch to be stock proof has no advantage over an ordinary gate, except that it stops motor cycles and is a deterrent against mountain bikes, which may be useful at junctions with roads.
The following basic dimensions are given for various uses. These are not foolproof, as sheep vary in size and in their tendency to escape, just as walkers vary in their stoutness and the size of their load. Kissing gates are not lamb proof, and extra wire fencing and a temporary latch may be needed at lambing time.
There are two basic types, depending on the width of the gate and the area enclosed by the guardrails. For comfortable passage, the significant dimension is the area of the space made by the guard rails with the gate in mid-position.
A narrow gate, of 750-900mm, must have guard rails on three sides to give sufficient room for passage. Commercial steel designs can be made with U shaped guard rails, giving a similar ground area.
A wider gate, of 1070-1200mm, can have guard rails on two sides only, in a V shape. This is a simpler design than that above, using only three posts for the guard rails, but in total more materials for the gate and guard rails. This type of design is favoured by manufacturers of wooden gates and fencing, and is widely used.
Rails should be attached to the outside of the posts so that stock cannot loosen them by leaning on them. As the ground plans below show, the guard rails do not form right angles, so joints are not easy to make. Right-angle designs are easier to make but not so successful in use. Dimensions are internal, measured between the inner edges of the posts.
Ground plans:
- This design uses a narrow gate with guard rails in a V shape. This is sheep proof, but awkward for stout walkers and those with rucksacks.
- This design uses a narrow gate with guard rails on three sides. The shape makes it difficult for sheep to turn around within the guard rails, and nose the gate open. A spring can be fitted on the non-grazed side of the gate to discourage them.
- This design uses a wide gate, with long guard rails meeting at an acute angle.
- This design is simple to construct as it is based on a square, and so the joints between rail and post are easy to make. However, the gap when the gate is in mid position is a squeeze for some users, so design (c) above is generally preferred.
General procedure:
- Position hanging post, and hang gate (see above).
- Position shutting posts.
- Position remaining two posts, and attach rails.
Kissing gates for wheelchairs
This is a self-closing kissing gate with bays to allow access for wheelchairs. Further details are available from the Fieldfare Trust.
This design is recommended by the Countryside Commission (Countryside Commission, 1994). The separate kissing gate or stile gives access for a helper to assist the wheelchair user from the side.
Manufacturers of steel kissing gates for wheelchair access are listed here.
Rotagate
This design was developed by Tilhill Economic Forestry in consultation with disability groups, and received a BT Countryside for All Award. It is designed to allow easy access for pedestrians, wheelchair users and people with pushchairs, while excluding motorbikes, horses, deer, cattle, sheep and rabbits.
Motor bike barriers
This double barrier provides access for horse riders and pedestrians, whilst keeping out most motor bikes. It is not entirely bike-proof, as determined groups of motor cyclists could manhandle the bikes over the barriers. A gate can be included as necessary if the barrier needs to be stock proof. The barriers should be set well back from the road, as horses sometimes jump the barriers or ‘spook’ at them, with obvious dangers at the roadside. This also provides a holding area where horse riders can wait to cross the road. Barriers should be sited where there is clear vision in both directions for safe road crossing.
Note that this type of barrier is the only one endorsed by the British Horse Society. Those with the two sleepers set at right angles to each other are too difficult for most horses to negotiate, especially if a gate is included. For further details, contact the British Horse Society.
Wheelchair access can be provided by constructing a kissing gate for wheelchair use, as shown above.
The following two designs have been developed by Sustrans, for use on cycle paths. Both allow access for cyclists, walkers and wheelchair users, whilst excluding motor bikes. The standard full chicane requires the cyclist to dismount, whereas the York chicane can be ridden through without dismounting. The barriers are not available commercially, but are easily made by a local craftsman. Sustrans recommend a steel construction, which can be made to an individual design within the clearances given. The York chicane can also be made using boulders.
The gateway below is not stock proof, but is useful for preventing motor bike access. It is not accessible to wheelchairs.
Deer-proof gate
This design has been developed to give pedestrian access through 2m high deer fencing. The gate is also proof against horses and cattle. The gate is simple to build out of readily-available components (Nightingale, D).
Horse barriers
Barriers at entrances to footpaths to prevent horse riding are fairly simple to construct. The usual type is a staggered bar, as shown below.
Bridlepaths which receive conflicting use by horse riders and walkers can be divided by a barrier. This prevents the entire surface becoming churned by horses, and lessens the danger of collision between horses and walkers.
However, as with any fences that enclose a path, a barrier will add to the amount of maintenance required. In any unshaded situation, grass will grow along the line of the barrier, and possibly block the footpath if use is not sufficient to keep it trampled. The walker can then be faced with a choice of either a very muddy or an overgrown path.
A simple but effective barrier can be made by knocking stakes in, about 600mm high and 1000mm apart. Horses are restricted to one side only, but walkers can walk either side, retreating to the safety of the footpath if horses approach. As well as being cheaper in materials, there is less likely to be the problem of growth described above, as there will be some trampling between posts. The posts should have flat tops to lessen the chance of injury to horse or rider.
Cyclists and other users
Safe shared use of bridlepaths and other cycle tracks by cyclists, walkers and wheelchair users is mainly a duty on the part of the cyclist to travel at a safe speed, and be courteous to other users. The division of paths into separate use by fences or kerbs is not generally recommended, because this increases the cost of construction and maintenance, and means the effective width is reduced for all users. Sustrans recommend the use of an advisory dividing white line on busy surfaced sections, to segregate use when necessary. On steep sections, where cyclists may travel at speed, Sustrans recommend segregation by kerb or barrier (Sustrans, 1994). Contact Sustrans for more information on all aspects of cycle path design and construction.
