Mynydd Merthyr facts for kids
Mynydd Merthyr is a long, high hill in South Wales. It sits between two valleys: the Taff Valley (called Cwm Taf in Welsh) and the Cynon Valley (Cwm Cynon). This hill also marks the border between two local areas, Rhondda Cynon Taff and Merthyr Tydfil.
The highest point on Mynydd Merthyr is called Mynydd Gethin. It reaches 493 meters (about 1,617 feet) above sea level. This high point is part of a long ridge that stretches northwest from where the Afon Cynon and the River Taff meet at Abercynon. Other smaller peaks on this ridge include Twyn Brynbychan and Twyn Sych. Further to the northwest, you'll find Mynydd Aberdâr.
Much of Mynydd Merthyr is covered with conifer trees, which are evergreen trees like pines and firs. The sides of the hill show many signs of past coal mining. The village of Aberfan is located at the bottom of the hill's eastern side. This village was the site of a very sad event on October 21, 1966. A large pile of coal waste, called a tip, slid down the hill. It covered the village school, and 144 people died, including 116 children.
Geology of Mynydd Merthyr
The rocks that make up Mynydd Merthyr were formed during the Carboniferous Period. This was a very long time ago, when Earth's climate was different. The hill is made of different types of rock, mainly sandstones and mudstones.
Inside these rock layers, there are many coal seams. These are layers of coal that were formed from ancient plants. Most of these coal seams have been mined over the years. The top part of the hill, including its flat summit, is made of a strong rock called Pennant Sandstone. This sandstone is part of the younger Coal Measures rocks from the Carboniferous Period.
The steep sides of Mynydd Merthyr were partly shaped by glaciers. These huge sheets of ice moved across the land during past ice ages, carving out the valleys and shaping the hills.
Accessing the Hill
Many parts of Mynydd Merthyr are open for people to explore. Most of the forested areas and some nearby open moorland are considered "open country" under a law called the CRoW Act. This law gives walkers the right to access these areas.
There are also some specific paths you can follow. A network of public footpaths and other public rights of way cross parts of the hill. These paths help people safely walk and enjoy the natural beauty of Mynydd Merthyr.
