Dyfi hills facts for kids
The Dyfi Hills are a group of mountains located in the southern part of Snowdonia National Park in Wales. They are bordered by the River Dyfi to the east and south, and by other rivers like the Afon Dulas and Afon Cerist. These hills are part of a larger mountain area, including the Cadair Idris group.
The tallest mountains in the Dyfi Hills are Maesglase, which is about 676 meters (2,218 feet) high, Waun-oer at around 671 meters (2,200 feet), and Cribin Fawr, standing at about 659 meters (2,162 feet). These higher peaks are found in the northern part of the range. As you travel further south, the mountains become lower and have a more rounded, gentle shape.
Mining Slate in the Dyfi Hills
The Dyfi Hills are rich in a special type of rock called slate. Slate is a strong, flat rock often used for roofs and floors. Two main lines of good quality slate run through these hills, from Aberllefenni in the west to Dinas Mawddwy in the north-east.
Many businesses dug for slate in these areas during the 1800s and early 1900s. Some of the important slate mines, also called quarries, included Ratgoed, Cymerau, Hendre Ddu, Gartheiniog, and Minllyn. These quarries played a big part in the local economy for many years.
Forests of the Dyfi Hills
Most of the Dyfi Hills area is covered by forests planted by the Forestry Commission. Tree planting began in 1926. Large areas of land were bought for this purpose between the two World Wars and continued into the 1950s and 1960s.
The main types of trees planted here are Sitka spruce and Japanese Larch. Many other tree types were also tried. These trees are regularly cut down for wood to be used in different products, and then new trees are planted in their place. This large forested area is known as the Dyfi Forest.
Rally Car Racing
The Dyfi Hills have also been used for exciting events. In 2013, parts of the hills were used as a special stage during the 2013 Wales Rally GB. This is a famous car race where drivers compete on challenging roads and tracks.
