This painting was given to the Duke and Duchess of York, later King George V and Queen Mary by the inhabitants of Bristol in 1893 as a wedding present. It was exhibited at the Imperial Institute, London in July that year, along with other gifts.

On June 30, 1893 the Western Daily Press reported that 'Bristol's wedding present to the Princess Mary has been selected…The choice has fallen upon a painting by John Syer, entitled "The Stepping Stones at Bettws-y-coed," which was on exhibiton in Mr Newcombe's gallery in Park Street. The picture, one of Syer's finest examples, is in excellent condition, and is to be enclosed in a new French Alhambra frame… The scene depicted is one of the most pictaresque spots in Wales, and the subject is vigorously treated, yet with all that softness of touch for which the artist was so noted. It is a summer picture, and the broken sky and fleecy clouds are admirably done, the reflections in the water of the foliage and grasses being marked by wonderful fidelity and the colouring and perspective have been managed with consummate skill…"

Syer was born in Warwickshire, but spent most of his early life in Bristol. His topographical wash drawings and oil paintings show the influence of David Cox (1783-1856) and William Müller (1812-45). Like many artists, both before and after him, he was attracted to the scenery around this area of North Wales and he regularly exhibited scenes of Bettws-y-Coed in Bristol from 1854-84.

The placing of the figures, carefully crossing the stepping stones, and the cattle, moving towards the river to drink, allow the eye the circle around the painting, taking in the river, trees and mountains in the background. The figures and cattle were painted by brothers James Hardy, Junior (1832-89) and Heywood Hardy (1843-1933) respectively, who were both local artists.

The Royal Collection also holds a painting by Benjamin Williams Leader (1831-1923), dated 1914, of the same subject (RCIN 405373).