Afon Rheidol facts for kids
The Afon Rheidol is a river in Ceredigion, Wales. It is about 19 miles (30.5 km) long. The river starts high up on a mountain called Plynlimon. This area is a big watershed, meaning it collects a lot of rainwater. It's also where two other famous Welsh rivers, the River Wye and the River Severn, begin.
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Where the Afon Rheidol Flows
The Afon Rheidol begins in the Nant-y-moch Reservoir area. This is on the western side of Plynlimon mountain. It's close to where the Wye and Severn also start.
The river first flows south through a deep valley towards Ponterwyd. Then it turns southwest, passing through old oak forests. It meets another river, the Afon Mynach, at a place called Devil's Bridge, Ceredigion. Here, you can see amazing waterfalls.
The Rheidol then flows past old lead mines. These mines used to cause some pollution in the river. Today, special constructed wetlands help clean the water from these old mines. The river continues west until it joins the Afon Ystwyth. Finally, they both flow into Cardigan Bay at Aberystwyth.
River Environment and Wildlife
The area around the Afon Rheidol gets a lot of rain. The rocks under the ground are quite acidic. This, along with water from old silver and lead mines, used to cause problems. By 1991, the river sometimes had too many heavy metals, like zinc, from these mines.
You can find special types of grass, called Molinia spp., growing on thick layers of peat in the uplands. In the valleys, there are old, dense oak forests. These forests are full of ferns, mosses, and lichens. Closer to the river, people use the land for farming.
Economy and Fun Things to Do
For many years, people in the Rheidol valley worked in metal mining. Now, the main jobs are in forestry, tourism, and farming. Farmers raise beef and dairy cattle, and also sheep.
There are many fun places to visit in the Rheidol valley. One popular spot is the Devil's Bridge waterfalls. Here, three bridges are built one on top of the other, crossing over a spectacular waterfall.
A narrow-gauge steam train, called the Vale of Rheidol Railway, runs between Devil's Bridge and Aberystwyth. It was first built to carry metal ore from the mines. Now, it's a very popular way for tourists to see the beautiful valley.
You might also spot a large stag shape on the valley wall. This isn't a true hill figure carved into the land. It's actually a pile of waste rock from an old lead mine. The way the mining waste was dumped made it look like a stag.
Images for kids
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The three bridges at Devil's Bridge waterfalls looking downstream
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