Nant Llech facts for kids
The Nant Llech is a small river in Powys, Wales. It flows entirely within the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park. The name "Nant Llech" means 'slab stream'. This probably refers to the flat rocks the river flows over. The river starts when two smaller streams, the Nant Llech Pellaf and Nant Llech Isaf, meet at a place called Blaen Llech. From there, the Nant Llech flows west for about 3 kilometers (2 miles). It then joins a bigger river called the River Tawe, near the village of Abercraf.
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Henrhyd Falls: A Famous Waterfall
The most famous part of the Nant Llech river is Henrhyd Falls. In Welsh, it's called Sgwd Henrhyd or Rhaeadr Henrhyd. This amazing waterfall is 27 meters (90 feet) high! The river plunges over a hard rock layer called the 'Farewell Rock'. It falls into a deep pool below.
The Gorge and Its Rocks
Below the falls, the river continues through a steep, wooded valley. This valley is called a gorge. The gorge is carved into rocks from the Carboniferous period. These rocks are part of the Coal Measures. They are made of mudstones and sandstones.
Visiting the Falls
The National Trust owns and cares for Henrhyd Falls. They provide a free car park for visitors. You can find it off the road between Coelbren and Pen-y-cae. This makes it easy for people to visit and explore the area.
Exploring the Valley
There is a public footpath that runs along the entire valley. It's a great way to see the river and the surrounding nature. However, part of the path goes through an area where the ground has moved recently. The river gorge itself is a special protected area. This means it's important for its natural features.
Ancient Discoveries
A long time ago, a scientist named Sir William Edmond Logan found some fossil trees here. He was the first director of the Geological Survey of Canada. He discovered these ancient tree fossils near the bottom of the falls. Today, you can see these interesting fossils on display outside Swansea Museum.
