Castell Mawr Rock facts for kids
Castell Mawr, also known as Castle Rock in English, is a huge limestone rock. You can find it on the western side of Red Wharf Bay in Anglesey, which is in north Wales. Long, long ago, people think it might have been an Iron Age fort. But now, it's a safe home for many seabirds that build their nests there.
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Where is Castell Mawr?
Castell Mawr is located in a beautiful spot. It sits between the village of Red Wharf Bay and a piece of land called a promontory. This promontory is where St. David's Holiday Park is located. The closest big villages nearby are Pentraeth and Benllech.
Why is Castell Mawr Special?
Castell Mawr is very important for its geology, which is the study of rocks and how the Earth is made. The Countryside Council for Wales chose it as a special site because of its amazing rock formations.
What Kind of Rocks?
The rock itself is made up of layers of limestone and sandstone. These layers are part of something called the Benllech Limestone. They were formed a very long time ago, during a period called the Brigantian Stage. This was part of the lower Carboniferous period.
Hidden Caves and Shapes
Castell Mawr is also unique because it has real "karst" features. Karst is a special type of landscape made when water dissolves soluble rocks, like limestone. This creates cool things like small caves and holes in the rock. It's the only place in Anglesey where you can see these natural formations.
A Look Back in Time
In the past, the limestone from Castell Mawr was mined. This means people dug it out of the ground. It was then sent to other places in the United Kingdom and even to Ireland.
