Cribyn (mountain) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cribyn |
|
|---|---|
The nose of Cribyn from its north ridge
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 795 m (2,608 ft) |
| Prominence | 130 m (430 ft) |
| Parent peak | Pen y Fan |
| Listing | Hewitt, Nuttall, HuMP |
| Naming | |
| English translation | Little ridge |
| Geography | |
 Cribyn
Location in Brecon Beacons
|
|
| Location | Powys, Wales |
| Parent range | Brecon Beacons |
| OS grid | SO024213 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 160 |
Cribyn is a mountain in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales. It stands 795 metres (2608 feet) tall. This makes it about 90 metres (300 feet) lower than its famous neighbours, Pen y Fan and Corn Du. Cribyn is a noticeable peak on a long, steep slope that faces north. This slope runs from east to west in the middle of the Brecon Beacons.
The top of Cribyn is part of a ridge. This ridge stretches from the Talybont Reservoir in the east to the A470 road in the west. To the west, the ridge connects Cribyn to Pen y Fan. To the east, the ridge goes down to a low point called Bwlch ar y Fan. An old path, sometimes called 'The Gap Road', crosses this low point. After that, the ridge goes up again to the peak of Fan y Big.
What is Cribyn Made Of?
Like other mountains in the Brecon Beacons, Cribyn is made of old rocks. The top parts of Cribyn are made from a type of sandstone. These rocks were formed a very long time ago, during the Devonian period. The lower parts of the mountain are made from different kinds of sandstone and mudstone.
All the layers of rock in these mountains gently slope towards the south. During the last ice age, small glaciers were present in the valleys around Cribyn. These glaciers carved out the valleys and left behind piles of rocks called moraines. This carving by ice made the northern and eastern sides of Cribyn very steep.
Visiting Cribyn
The Brecon Beacons area is known as "open country." This means you can walk almost anywhere in the highland parts. There are many trails and footpaths that are easy to follow. They are well-used and well-maintained. The National Trust owns a lot of the land here. They make sure the paths are kept in good condition, especially where many people walk.
These main paths are very popular with hikers and groups. The British Army also uses them for training. Many charity walks take place here too. Cribyn is right next to Pen y Fan, so it's often part of a longer walk. People enjoy walking along the main ridge. When the weather is clear, you can see amazing views to the north. You can see places like Mynydd Epynt, Brecon, and the Cambrian Mountains.
Wildlife Around Cribyn
Many interesting birds live on and around Cribyn. You might see birds of prey like peregrine falcons, common buzzards, and the red kite. You might also spot ravens, or at least hear their deep calls. These birds use warm air currents, called thermals, to fly high. They look for food like mice and voles in the valleys below.
The lower parts of the moorland near the peaks are home to skylarks. These birds build their nests on the ground. You might also see some game birds, like red grouse and partridges. Skylarks are often seen flying high above their nests, singing beautifully.
