This is a popular spot for summer visitors to the Dale and can be combined with a visit to the Open Air Swimming Pool in the summer. It has lost some of its buzz since the ford was closed to vehicles in 2012 due to too many motorists being stranded mid stream and needing rescue by the Emergency Services.
For your walk go downstream on the bank away from the village. If you walk 0.75 miles and pass through the caravan park you can cross the River Wear on a road, then soon turn left on a footpath to make your way back on the other bank.
The stepping stones are a short walk from Stanhope Market Place, past the Dales Centre and left at the Swimming Pool sign, down to the river bank. Or take the B6278, cross Stanhope Bridge and there is parking on the left after 300 yards.