Ogof Craig a Ffynnon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ogof Craig a Ffynnon |
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Speleothems in Hall of the Mountain King
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| Location | South Wales |
| Length | 7 kilometres (4 mi) |
| Access | Mynydd Llangatwg Cave Management and Advisory Committee |
| Translation | Rock and Fountain Cave (Welsh) |
Ogof Craig a Ffynnon is a cool cave found in Wales. Its name means "Rock and Fountain Cave" in Welsh. This amazing cave is about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) long. You can find it at the bottom of a big rock face in the Clydach Gorge. Water from the mountain above flows out of this cave!
Contents
Discovering the Cave
Imagine searching for years to find a secret underground river! That's what Jeff Hill, John Parker, and Bill Gascoine did. They discovered Ogof Craig a Ffynnon in 1976. They knew a cave had to be there because of the water flowing out. This water even gave its name to a local inn! The cave's entrance is hidden at the bottom of a rock face. It is in an old quarry called Daren Ddu, on the side of Llangatock Mountain.
Exploring Inside the Cave
This cave is about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) long. It is famous for being one of the most beautifully decorated caves in Wales. When you first enter, there are some tight spots where you might need to crawl. You might also find some muddy and wet passages.
The Hall of the Mountain King
As you go deeper, the cave opens up into larger areas. These parts are covered in amazing rock formations called speleothems. These are made of mud and calcite. The most spectacular part is the Hall of the Mountain King. This is a huge cavern filled with beautiful flowstone. Flowstone looks like frozen waterfalls made of rock.
The Promised Land
Another cool section is called the Promised Land. This is a long, straight passage with a small stream flowing through it. Beyond these decorated areas, the cave continues with many low passages. Scientists think this cave might connect to another big cave system nearby.
How to Visit the Cave
The cave is located near the old Rock and Fountain Inn. You can follow an old track from there to the Daren Ddu Quarry. The entrance to the cave is at the bottom of a rock face. It has a gate to keep people from entering without permission. This helps protect the cave from damage.
Getting Access
Since 2004, a group called the Mynydd Llangatwg Cave Management and Advisory Committee controls access. This means you need to get a special key to open the gate. You also need to sign a log book before you go in. A trip to the Hall of the Mountain King usually takes about two and a half hours. Going all the way to the Promised Land can take six hours. There are some fixed ladders and climbing aids inside. However, cavers need to bring most of their own gear. Sometimes, the cave can flood, making parts of it impassable.
