Stepping stones are an ancient feature found in many bodies of water across the world. Usually, they are solid, elevated platforms that allow people to cross streams, rivers, and other waterways without getting their feet wet. Whilst serving a practical purpose, stepping stones have also become iconic landmarks and tourist attractions in their own right.
The oldest known examples of stepping stones date back thousands of years. Some of the earliest archaeological evidence comes from ancient civilisations in Asia, where stone or wooden platforms were used to cross rice paddies and marshes. In the United Kingdom, there are stepping stone crossings that have been in use since the medieval period, including several that allowed monks and pilgrims to reach remote monasteries and churches.
Perhaps the most famous set of stepping stones in the world can be found at the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. This natural wonder, formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, features thousands of interlocking hexagonal basalt columns that protrude from the sea. For centuries, locals and visitors have delighted in hopping across the ‘giant’s steps’ that lead out into the crashing waves. Whilst these stepping stones were not constructed by human hands, they have become an iconic part of the Causeway’s dramatic coastal landscape.
Another noteworthy set of stepping stones can be found at Ogmore Castle (above) on the southeastern coast of Wales. Unlike many other castles found in the United Kingdom, Ogmore Castle is not on the top of a hill, but beside a river. To help cross the river there are well placed stones. They are quite large making it easier to cross the river.
Whether in remote rural areas or bustling tourist hubs, stepping stones continue to delight everyone who comes across them. These simple, functional structures serve as reminders of our ancestors’ ingenuity and humanity’s enduring connection to the natural world. For many, hopping across these ancient pathways remains a treasured way to experience the beauty and tranquility of Britain’s waterways.
The term “stepping stones” has also entered the English language as an idiomatic expression. In this usage, “stepping stones” refers to a series of intermediate steps or stages that lead towards a particular goal or outcome. This metaphorical meaning suggests that, just as physical stepping stones allow you to cross a body of water, symbolic “stepping stones” can help people progress and achieve their aims. “After leaving school, Janet knew she required a series of stepping stones that would help her achieve her goal of becoming a professional footballer”.
Would you be brave enough to cross a stretch of water using stepping stones?
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