Bwlch Mawr facts for kids

Bwlch Mawr is a hill found in North Wales. It is located near the northeastern part of the Llŷn Peninsula. This hill is in the community of Clynnog, within the county of Gwynedd.

Its name is quite interesting because "Bwlch Mawr" means "big pass" in Welsh. This might seem unusual for a hill! Bwlch Mawr is part of a larger upland area. The highest point of this area is a peak called Gyrn Ddu, which is 522 meters tall. However, it was on Bwlch Mawr that the Ordnance Survey (a mapping agency) placed a special marker called a trig point.

What is Bwlch Mawr?

Bwlch Mawr is a hill that stands 510 meters (about 1,673 feet) above sea level. It is known as a "HuMP" and a "Sub-Marilyn," which are terms used to classify hills based on their height and how much they rise above the surrounding land.

How Bwlch Mawr Was Formed

Rocks of Bwlch Mawr

Bwlch Mawr, like many other hills in the Llŷn area, is made from a type of rock called igneous rock. Igneous rocks are formed when hot, melted rock (magma or lava) cools down and hardens.

Ancient Rock Formation

These rocks were formed a very long time ago. Geologists say they are from the Paleozoic Era. This era lasted from about 541 to 252 million years ago. Imagine how old these rocks are!

Exploring Bwlch Mawr

Public Footpaths

If you want to visit Bwlch Mawr, there is a public footpath. This path goes across the southern side of the hill. It's a great way to explore the area.

Freedom to Roam

The higher parts of Bwlch Mawr are considered "open country." This means that people are generally free to walk there. This right is protected by a law called the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. So, walkers can explore these areas freely.

Bridleways for Horses

In the northwest, there is also a bridleway. A bridleway is a path that can be used by walkers, horse riders, and sometimes cyclists. This bridleway runs south from the village of Clynnog-fawr towards the open country of Bwlch Mawr.