Cenarth Falls facts for kids
The Cenarth Falls is a beautiful series of waterfalls in the village of Cenarth, Wales. It's a special place where the River Teifi flows over rocks, creating a natural staircase of water. This spot is famous for its stunning scenery and for the amazing journey of fish. The falls are located in Ceredigion, near the borders of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.
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Cenarth Falls: A Home for Leaping Fish
The Cenarth Falls are not just pretty to look at; they are also very important for nature. They are the first big challenge that fish face on their journey up the River Teifi.
A Natural Fish Highway
Cenarth Falls is like a natural ladder for fish! It's the first big obstacle that salmon and sea trout meet when they swim back from the ocean. They are returning to the River Teifi to lay their eggs, a process called spawning. It's incredible to watch them leap out of the water, trying to jump up the falls. This happens especially in the autumn.
Watching the Fish Jump
Because of these amazing fish migrations, Cenarth Falls has become a popular place to visit. Many people come to watch the salmon and sea trout bravely jump up the waterfalls. It's a truly exciting sight to see nature in action! The falls are set in a lovely wooded valley, which makes the experience even more special.
Other Nearby Falls
A few miles upstream from Cenarth, you can find the less well-known Henllan Falls. This spot also offers similar chances to see fish migrating and leaping.
The Old Mill at Cenarth Falls
For many years, the power of the water at Cenarth Falls was used to help people. There was an old mill right next to the falls.
How the Mill Worked
In the 1800s and early 1900s, a special channel called a leat was built. This leat took water from behind the falls. The flowing water then powered a watermill that stood on the southern bank, just above the falls. This mill would have been used to grind corn or do other tasks.
The Mill Today
The old mill building is still there today. However, it no longer uses the power of the falls to operate. It stands as a reminder of the history of the area and how people once used the river's energy.
