Carmel Head facts for kids
Carmel Head (in Welsh, Trwyn y Gadair) is an important piece of land sticking out into the sea on the northwest tip of Anglesey island in Wales. It's a special place known for its amazing rocks and beautiful views.
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What Makes Carmel Head Special?
Carmel Head is a designated SSSI. This means it's officially protected because of its unique geological features.
The Carmel Head Thrust Fault
One of the most interesting things about Carmel Head is a special rock formation called the Carmel Head Thrust. Imagine two huge layers of rock pushing against each other. Here, very old rocks from the Precambrian period (which was billions of years ago!) have been pushed on top of younger rocks from the Ordovician period. This created a "thrust fault" where one rock layer slides over another.
The Oldest Rocks in Wales
Along the cliffs of Carmel Head, you can see these ancient rocks clearly. Some of them are a type of rock called gneisses. These gneisses are thought to be the oldest rocks found anywhere in Wales! It's like looking back in time at the very beginning of the Earth's history in this area.
Just off the coast of Carmel Head, you can spot several small islands.
The Skerries and Mouse Islands
The largest group of islands nearby are called the Skerries. To the east of the Skerries, there are three more small islands: West Mouse, Middle Mouse, and East Mouse.
The Three White Ladies
On West Mouse island, there's a tall, white-painted column. On Carmel Head itself, you'll find two more similar columns. Locals call these three columns the "Three White Ladies." They were built way back in the 1860s to help ships navigate safely. When sailors lined up all three columns, it told them exactly where a dangerous shallow reef was located offshore. This reef was a big risk to ships, so these columns were very important for safety.
Exploring Carmel Head
Carmel Head is a great place to explore, offering both history and nature.
Old Copper Mine Ruins
You can still see the ruins of an old copper mine and a factory at Carmel Head. There's even a well-preserved chimney stack from a furnace that was used in the mining process. It's a glimpse into the area's industrial past.
The Anglesey Coastal Path
During the summer months, the Anglesey Coastal Path goes right over Carmel Head. This path is a special route that lets people walk along the beautiful coastline. However, in winter, the path is closed to visitors. This is because the land is used for pheasant shooting during those months.
National Trust Land
Most of the land at Carmel Head, which reaches a height of 81 metres (about 266 feet) above sea level, is owned and looked after by the National Trust. They work to protect this special place for everyone to enjoy.
