At this point a ford, footbridge and stepping stones provide three ways of crossing the Wear. The ford is on a minor road going north from St John's Chapel and together with the stepping stones are thought to date from medieval times. The footbridge was replaced in 2012 using s steel girder and the previous footbridge itself replaced an earlier 19th century one. The three crossings are set amidst rural surroundings on a quiet stretch of the river.