Craig Cerrig-gleisiad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Craig Cerrig-gleisiad |
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Craig Cerrig-gleisiad from Fan Frynych
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 629 m (2,064 ft) |
| Prominence | 46 m (151 ft) |
| Parent peak | Fan Fawr |
| Listing | Hewitt, Nuttall |
| Naming | |
| Language of name | Welsh |
| Geography | |
| Location | Powys, United Kingdom |
| Parent range | Brecon Beacons |
| OS grid | SN969193 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 160 |
Craig Cerrig-gleisiad is a cool mountain peak in the Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales. It's part of the Fforest Fawr area. This peak is like a smaller neighbor to a bigger mountain called Fan Fawr.
Craig Cerrig-gleisiad is also special because it's half of the Craig Cerrig-gleisiad and Fan Frynych National Nature Reserve. It shares this important nature area with its nearby peak, Fan Frynych.
At the very top of Craig Cerrig-gleisiad, you'll find a pile of stones that marks the summit. The mountain has steep cliffs on its northern side. These cliffs are very important. They are one of the few places in the southern British Isles where you can find special plants called Arctic–alpine plants. These plants usually grow in very cold, northern places, so finding them here is quite unique!
How was Craig Cerrig-gleisiad formed?
The most amazing part of Craig Cerrig-gleisiad is its L-shaped valley. This valley is called a "cwm" (pronounced "koom") in Welsh. It was carved out by huge sheets of ice during the Ice Ages.
Scientists believe this cwm has a long and interesting history. It was shaped by glaciers, which are like giant, slow-moving rivers of ice. Later, parts of the rock walls even collapsed after the main ice age ended. Some of the broken rock was moved around again during a colder period called the Loch Lomond Stadial. You can even see some of this rock debris stretching towards the A470 road!
The main cliffs of the mountain are made of rocks called Senni Beds and Brownstones. These rocks are part of the Old Red Sandstone group, which formed millions of years ago during the Devonian period.
Wildlife at Craig Cerrig-gleisiad
The rocky ledges on the southern side of the main cliffs are a favorite spot for birds. Peregrine falcons often choose these ledges as their nesting sites. These birds are known for being the fastest animals on Earth!
