Morpeth Stepping Stones
A charming riverside crossing in Morpeth, offering a scenic walk and a fun, albeit sometimes challenging, adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Bluebells in bloom, pleasant weather
Morpeth Stepping Stones
Best Time
Bluebells in bloom, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming riverside crossing in Morpeth, offering a scenic walk and a fun, albeit sometimes challenging, adventure.
"Crossing the stones was great fun (the river wasn’t too high) and they are easy to find from The Stanners."
🎯 Ask Locals for Directions
If you get lost finding the stones, ask at The Old Bakehouse cafe for the best route.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The stones can be slippery, and the steps are large. Good grip is essential. [:athletic_shoe:]
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Stepping Stones
River Wansbeck, Morpeth
A series of stones offering a fun, albeit sometimes challenging, river crossing experience.
Scenic River Wansbeck Walk
Along the River Wansbeck, Morpeth
Enjoy a picturesque stroll along the riverbanks, taking in the natural beauty of the area.
Bluebell Wood Exploration
Near Morpeth
A beautiful woodland area, especially vibrant in spring with carpets of bluebells.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Stepping Stones
River Conditions & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ask Locals for Directions
If you get lost finding the stones, ask at The Old Bakehouse cafe for the best route.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The stones can be slippery, and the steps are large. Good grip is essential. [:athletic_shoe:]
💧 Check River Levels
The stones are impassable when the river is high. Check conditions before you go. [:warning:]
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
Many visitors enjoy walking their dogs along the river and across the stones. [:dog:] 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ask Locals for Directions
If you get lost finding the stones, ask at The Old Bakehouse cafe for the best route.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The stones can be slippery, and the steps are large. Good grip is essential. [:athletic_shoe:]
💧 Check River Levels
The stones are impassable when the river is high. Check conditions before you go. [:warning:]
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
Many visitors enjoy walking their dogs along the river and across the stones. [:dog:]
📸 Capture the Moment
The stepping stones offer a unique photo opportunity, especially with dogs or during a scenic walk. [:camerawithflash:]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Morpeth Stepping Stones to be a fun and unique experience, offering a scenic riverside walk and a bit of an adventure. While the stones themselves are enjoyable to cross, the main challenge for some is finding them due to unclear signage. The river's condition is a key factor in their accessibility, and the lack of handrails on some steps is a point of consideration for certain visitors.
"Unlike another reviewer who for some reason didn’t understand that “stepping stones” are exactly what they say they are 🙄 we knew what we were doing and for my 81 year old mum it was the “challenge” for the day (there not being any 80mph zip lines available locally!)
However, we approached the stones from Newgate Street and must say they are not easy to find - no signage saying how to get to them. Furthermore, looking on Google Maps shows a route to them via Mains Place and photos others have taken show steps leading up from the stones towards Newgate Street. So, what’s the issue?
The signage for Mains Place includes a sign saying “Private Road and private footpath” which made us search for another route!
It was talking to the ladies at The Old Bakehouse cafe that we found that the way through to them was via the “private road and private footpath” at Mains Place - as another reviewer points out, you cannot access them from Old Bakehouse Yard.
Crossing the stones was great fun (the river wasn’t too high) and they are easy to find from The Stanners but anyone elderly attempting the steps on the opposite side be aware there are no handrails and the steps are quite large (which makes me think they predate the small housing development around Mains Place, which makes the “private footpath” sign all the more confusing, especially as nothing shows on Google Maps to say that)"
Steven Sandiford
"Google took me the wrong way initially, from the town centre you're best to walk down Mains Place or the small alley to the right of it, down go down Old Bakehouse as its a dead end with residents putting signs up all over trying to stop folk.
The stepping stones were unpassable when we went but interesting to see the river so torrid. By the water marks on the pathway down it had been way higher recently."
Col D
"Can't come to Morpeth and not do the stepping stones. I made it look easy and can easily get 2 people passing at the same time."
John Gregory
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Finding the Morpeth Stepping Stones can be a bit of an adventure! While they are accessible from The Stanners, some visitors report confusion with 'private road' signs near Mains Place. The Old Bakehouse cafe staff are a great resource for directions. Google Maps might not always show the clearest route, so don't hesitate to ask locals for guidance.
There are several parking options in Morpeth town centre, which is a short walk from the stepping stones. Look for car parks near the high street.
No, you cannot access the stepping stones directly from Old Bakehouse Yard as it is a dead end with signs discouraging access. The recommended route is via Mains Place or the small alley to its right.
The most straightforward approach is often from The Stanners. If approaching from Newgate Street, be aware of potential confusion with 'private' signage and seek local advice.
Morpeth has a bus station, and the stepping stones are within walking distance from the town centre, making them accessible via public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Morpeth Stepping Stones are a natural feature and are free to access. There are no tickets or entry fees required.
The stepping stones are accessible at any time, as they are part of the natural landscape. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
There is no admission fee to cross the Morpeth Stepping Stones. It's a public access area along the River Wansbeck.
While technically accessible, visiting the stepping stones at night is not recommended due to safety concerns, poor visibility, and potential slipperiness.
The main restriction is the river's water level; high flows can make the stones impassable. Otherwise, it's a public area for enjoyment.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The difficulty depends on the river's water level and your personal balance. When the river is low, they are manageable, but can be challenging if slippery or high. Some steps are quite large.
Generally, there isn't enough room for two people to cross side-by-side comfortably. It's usually one person at a time.
For elderly visitors, it depends on their mobility and balance. The steps on one side lack handrails, which could be a concern. It's best to assess the conditions and your own capabilities.
The stepping stones are situated along the scenic River Wansbeck, offering pleasant walking paths and opportunities for picnics. Nearby areas like Bluebell Wood are also worth exploring.
While some TikTok videos mention swimming holes in Rhode Island with similar names, the Morpeth Stepping Stones are primarily for crossing the river. Swimming directly around them might not be advisable due to currents and the nature of the crossing.
📸 📸 Photography
The stepping stones themselves offer a unique perspective, especially with the river flowing around them. Capturing dogs crossing or the scenic riverbanks provides great shots.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light, ideal for landscape photography. Sunny mornings can also be beautiful for capturing the vibrant green surroundings.
Try shooting from slightly above to get a good view of the stones and the river flow. Including people or pets crossing can add a sense of scale and action.
A smartphone with good image stabilization is sufficient for most shots. If you have a DSLR, a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the landscape.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and ensure you have permission before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
+1 Be sure to wear appropriate footwear, as the stones can be slippery. Remember to inform someone of your route and expected return time, especially if venturing further afield.🐶 Dog Owners
+2 It's a great way to let your furry friend experience a unique environment. Ensure your dog is comfortable with water and has good balance, as some stones can be slippery. +1 Always keep your dog on a lead where necessary and be mindful of other visitors. Remember to bring water and waste bags for your pet.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the 'Stepping Stone' Metaphor
While the Morpeth Stepping Stones are a literal crossing, the metaphorical use of the term is so prevalent that it's worth noting. It speaks to the human experience of transition and support, where one person's journey might involve being a temporary bridge for another. This duality adds an interesting layer to the place's name, even if the literal stones are the primary attraction for visitors.
It's fascinating how a physical location can evoke such strong emotional and metaphorical connections. The Morpeth Stepping Stones, in their literal form, offer a physical challenge and a scenic experience, while the term itself carries a significant weight of emotional narrative for many.
Navigating Access and Local Insights
Local advice, particularly from staff at The Old Bakehouse cafe, is invaluable for navigating these access issues. They can clarify that the 'private' route is indeed the intended path to the stones.
Understanding these nuances of access and local knowledge can significantly enhance the visitor experience. It highlights the importance of community information and the potential for misinterpretation of signage in public spaces.
The Stepping Stones in Action: From Dog Walks to River Crossings
+3 The natural setting along the River Wansbeck provides a beautiful backdrop for these canine adventures. +1For human visitors, crossing the stones is often described as a fun challenge, especially when the river is at a manageable level.
Beyond the immediate crossing, the area offers pleasant walking opportunities. Visitors can enjoy strolls along the riverbanks, taking in the scenery and the historic architecture of Morpeth.
+2 The proximity to areas like Bluebell Wood also makes it a great starting or ending point for a longer nature excursion. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit