Foel Fraith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Foel Fraith |
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Foel Fraith viewed from the north
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 602 m (1,975 ft) |
| Prominence | 77 m (253 ft) |
| Parent peak | Garreg Lwyd |
| Listing | Hewitt, Nuttall |
| Naming | |
| Language of name | Welsh |
| Geography | |
| Location | Carmarthenshire, Wales |
| Parent range | Brecon Beacons |
| OS grid | SN757182 |
Foel Fraith is a cool hill located in the Black Mountain area of southwest Wales. It's part of the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park and the Fforest Fawr Geopark. The top of the hill is flat, like a plateau. It reaches about 602 meters (1,975 feet) high.
Nearby, there are two smaller peaks. To the north is Cefn y Cylchau, which is 556 feet high. To the southeast, you'll find Carn Fadog or Cefn Carn Fadog, standing at 512 meters (1,680 feet) tall.
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Discovering Foel Fraith's Rocks
Foel Fraith has a very interesting mix of rocks. The northern side of the hill is mostly made of Carboniferous Limestone. This type of rock formed millions of years ago.
The southern side is different. It has a rock called Twrch Sandstone. This rock is also from the Carboniferous period. It used to be known as 'Basal Grit'.
How the Landscape Changed
The layers of rock here usually tilt gently towards the south. However, some rocks on top of the limestone have sunk. This happened because the limestone can dissolve over a very long time.
You can see many shakeholes all over the hill. These are funnel-shaped holes in the ground. They form when water dissolves the limestone beneath the surface.
Carn Fadog, the nearby peak, has similar features. Its flat top hides three small ponds. Around the sides of both hills, you can find many old quarries. People used to dig for limestone and gritstone there.
Exploring Foel Fraith: Trails and Access
Foel Fraith is a great place for hikers to explore. It's known as "open country," which means you can walk freely across it. This makes it easy for people to enjoy the outdoors.
Popular Walking Routes
There's a long path called a bridleway that runs from north to south. It goes from Cwm Sawdde Fechan to Cwm Twrch. This path is on the eastern side of both Foel Fraith and Carn Fadog.
The famous Beacons Way also crosses Foel Fraith. This long-distance trail stretches from Abergavenny to Llangadog. It's a fantastic way to see the stunning scenery of the Brecon Beacons.
