Abstract: A loft ladder which can be pivotally and slidably mounted to loft opening has counterbalancing means including a resiliently biased pivotal arm, connected to the loft ladder by a link member pivotally connected between the pivotal arm and the loft ladder to allow the ladder to turn about is pivotal connection to the loft opening over at least a limited extend. The arm has a two-stage resilient biasing spring offering a greater resilient force over part of the range of movement of the arm. A hand rail of the ladder is supported on a section of the ladder by spacers allowing the hand rail to be carried at a lateral distance from the ladder stile greater than the lateral space occupied by the counterbalance mechanism. A releasable catch for retaining two ladder parts in a selected position comprises two moveable catch members mounted on respective stiles, and interconnected together.