Nant Gwys facts for kids
The Nant Gwys is a lovely river that flows from the Black Mountain (which is called Y Mynydd Du in Welsh) in Powys, Wales. It's like a small stream that grows bigger!
Two smaller streams, called the Gwys Fawr and the Gwys Fach, start their journey from places named Banwen Gwyn and Bwlch y Ddeuwynt. These two streams then join together to form the main Nant Gwys river.
The Nant Gwys River
Once the Gwys Fawr and Gwys Fach meet, the Nant Gwys river flows for about 5 kilometres (or 3 miles). It eventually joins a bigger river called the Afon Twrch in a village named Cwm-twrch-Uchaf.
Where the River Flows
The very top parts of the Nant Gwys and its smaller streams are located inside the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park (known as Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog in Welsh). This area is also part of the Fforest Fawr Geopark, which is a special place known for its amazing rocks and landscapes.
The Nant Gwys is one of several rivers that flow down the southern slopes of the Black Mountain. As it travels, the river passes over different types of rocks. It starts on a type of rock called Millstone Grit and then flows onto softer rocks like mudstones, which are part of the Carboniferous Coal Measures. These rocks tell a story of ancient times!
What's in a Name?
The name 'Nant Gwys' comes from the Welsh words and means 'sow stream'. A 'sow' is a female pig. This name might be connected to the nearby Afon Twrch river, whose name means 'boar river' (a 'boar' is a male pig). It's fun how river names can be linked!
