Fan Nedd facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fan Nedd |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 663 m (2,175 ft) |
| Prominence | 174 m (571 ft) |
| Parent peak | Fan Gyhirych |
| Listing | Marilyn, Hewitt, Nuttall |
| Naming | |
| English translation | Neath beacon |
| Language of name | Welsh |
| Geography | |
| Location | Powys, Wales |
| Parent range | Brecon Beacons |
| OS grid | SN913184 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 160 |
Fan Nedd is a mountain located in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales. It's part of the Fforest Fawr area, which is found in the county of Powys. The name "Fan Nedd" means "Neath beacon" in Welsh, likely named after the nearby River Neath.
This mountain has a wide, flat top. Its highest point is 663 meters (2175 feet) above sea level. You'll find a trig point at the summit, which is a marker used for surveying. The southern side of Fan Nedd is gently sloped. However, its northern side is much steeper and has rocky cliffs. During the last ice age, a small glacier was present on this northern face.
At the northern end of the mountain's flat top, there's a modern stone pile called a cairn. You can also find older, ancient cairns on the eastern slopes. Water from the mountain flows in different directions. To the west, streams feed into the Nedd Fechan river. To the east, rainwater flows into the upper parts of the Afon Llia. Both of these rivers eventually join the River Neath, which then flows into Swansea Bay and out to sea. The northern side of Fan Nedd overlooks a deep, bowl-shaped valley called Blaen Senni. This valley is drained by the Afon Senni, a river that joins the River Usk.
What is Fan Nedd Made Of?
Fan Nedd is mostly made from a type of rock called sandstone. These sandstones belong to the Brownstones Formation. They were formed during the Devonian period, which was a very long time ago. Some sandstones from the Plateau Beds Formation also cover parts of the southern slopes.
Most of the mountain's bedrock is hidden under layers of glacial till and hill peat. Glacial till is a mix of rock and soil left behind by glaciers. Peat is a type of soil made from decayed plants. You can only see the bare rock clearly on the northern side of the mountain. Fan Nedd is part of the Fforest Fawr Geopark. This area was recognized in 2005 for its important geological features and history.
How to Explore Fan Nedd
The entire Fan Nedd mountain is considered "open country." This means that walkers are allowed to explore freely. However, most people prefer to follow a path. This path goes along the edge of the steep northern face. It stretches between Bwlch y Duwynt in the west and a small road in the east. This road connects the villages of Ystradfellte and Heol Senni.
