Mwdwl-eithin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mwdwl-eithin |
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Mwdwl-eithin peak with cairn on left and trig point obscured by ruined building
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 532 m (1,745 ft) |
| Prominence | 263 m (863 ft) |
| Parent peak | Carnedd y Filiast |
| Listing | Marilyn |
| Naming | |
| Language of name | Welsh |
| Geography | |
| Location | Conwy, Wales |
| Parent range | Snowdonia |
| OS grid | SH917540 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 115 |
Mwdwl-eithin (pronounced mood-ool-AY-thin) is a mountain in North Wales. It stands tall at 532 metres (1,745 ft) and is the highest point on the Denbigh Moors, also known as Mynydd Hiraethog in Welsh. This gentle giant is located about 10 miles (16 km) east of Betws-y-Coed, a popular village in Snowdonia. Even though it's a mountain, it has a smooth, rounded shape, making it easier to climb.
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What Makes Mwdwl-eithin Special?
Mwdwl-eithin is a significant landmark in its area. It's known as a Marilyn, which is a special term for a hill or mountain in Britain and Ireland that rises at least 150 metres (492 ft) above the surrounding land. This means it really stands out from the landscape around it.
Exploring the Summit
When you reach the top of Mwdwl-eithin, you'll find a few interesting things. There's a trig point, which is a concrete pillar used by mapmakers to help create accurate maps. Nearby, you'll see the remains of an old building. This ruined structure still offers a bit of shelter if the weather turns bad. A few steps away, there's also a large pile of stones called a cairn. People often build cairns as markers or memorials.
Nature and Landscape
The land around Mwdwl-eithin is mostly wet moorland. This means it's a wide-open area with lots of low-growing plants. The ground beneath this area is made of a type of rock called mudstone. This rock formed a very long time ago, during the Silurian period.
How the Landscape Was Formed
Thousands of years ago, during the last ice age, huge sheets of ice called glaciers covered this entire region. As these glaciers moved, they shaped the land, creating the gentle slopes and valleys we see today. The melting ice also left the ground very wet, which is why it's now a moorland.
Plants and Wildlife
The moorland is home to many interesting plants. You'll see lots of heather, which includes different types like Calluna and Erica. These plants create beautiful purple and pink carpets across the landscape when they bloom. You'll also find many rushes, which are grass-like plants that thrive in wet conditions. This environment supports various types of wildlife, including birds and small animals that are adapted to living in open moorland.
Water for the Region
The valleys and low areas around Mwdwl-eithin are very important for water supply. Three large reservoirs have been built here to store drinking water for nearby communities. These are Llyn Alwen, Llyn Aled, and Alwen Reservoir. These reservoirs collect rainwater and melted snow from the surrounding hills, providing a vital resource for people in the area.
