A counterbalanced self-supporting dry stone wall stile is a type of stile or a stepover that allows people to cross over a dry stone wall without damaging the wall itself.
The stile consists of two stone pillars or supports, which are built into the dry stone wall on either side. The pillars are placed a suitable distance apart to provide a secure and stable base for the stile.
The stile is made up of a horizontal bar, which rests on top of the two pillars, and is usually made from wood or metal. The horizontal bar is fixed to the pillars by means of a counterbalance system, which ensures that the stile remains in place and does not slip or move when weight is applied to it.
The counterbalance system consists of a weight or weights that are fixed to one end of the horizontal bar, while the other end is free to move up and down. The weight is typically made from stone or concrete, and is positioned so that it is slightly heavier than the weight of the horizontal bar and the person using the stile.
When a person climbs onto the stile, their weight causes the free end of the horizontal bar to drop downwards. This movement causes the weight to rise upwards, which increases the downward force acting on the supporting pillars, and creates a stable and secure base for the stile.
The counterbalanced self-supporting dry stone wall stile is a simple yet effective solution for crossing over dry stone walls, and is commonly used in rural areas where dry stone walls are a common feature.
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