A ladder rest comprises interconnected yokes (12,13) which extend across the front or climbing side of an upper ladder section (8) and are mounted on rungs (18) of that ladder section by hooks (17). The yokes extend around the stiles (11) of the ladder and carry abutments (22) which engage a wall (24). The yokes are clear of the stiles of the ladder and of any guide furniture (10) on the lower ladder section, so as not to interfere with complete retraction of the ladder. The abutment portion (22) is below the level of the lower hook (17) at which load is applied from the ladder to the device to provide an advantageous geometry when the ladder is loaded and bows towards the wall.