Pen Twyn Glas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pen Twyn Glas |
|
|---|---|
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 646 m (2,119 ft) |
| Prominence | 21 m (69 ft) |
| Parent peak | Pen Allt-mawr |
| Listing | sub Hewitt, Nuttall |
| Naming | |
| Language of name | Welsh |
| Geography | |
| Location | Black Mountains, South Wales |
| OS grid | SO215300 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 161 |
Pen Twyn Glas is a cool spot in the Black Mountains, a range of hills in southeastern Wales. It's not a huge, famous mountain, but it's an interesting part of the landscape. This hill is actually a "top" of a bigger peak called Pen Allt-mawr. Think of it like a smaller bump on the side of a larger mountain. It sits right between Pen Allt-mawr and another hill called Mynydd Llysiau.
Contents
What is Pen Twyn Glas?
Pen Twyn Glas is a hill that reaches 646 meters (about 2,119 feet) above sea level. It's considered a "top" because it's part of a larger mountain, Pen Allt-mawr. The name "Pen Twyn Glas" comes from the Welsh words. "Pen" means "head" or "top," "twyn" means "hillock" or "mound," and "glas" means "green." So, it basically means "Top of the Green Hill."
The very top of Pen Twyn Glas is quite simple. It's just a grassy area with a small pile of stones. This pile of stones is called a cairn. Cairns are often used to mark the highest point of a hill or mountain.
Exploring the Black Mountains
Pen Twyn Glas is located in the Black Mountains, which are part of the Brecon Beacons National Park. This national park is a beautiful area in Wales, known for its stunning scenery. The Black Mountains are popular with hikers and people who love the outdoors.
The landscape around Pen Twyn Glas is mostly open moorland. This means you'll see lots of grass, heather, and sometimes peat bogs. It's a quiet and peaceful place, perfect for walking and enjoying nature.
Nearby Peaks
Pen Twyn Glas is connected to other hills along a ridge.
- Pen Allt-mawr: This is the main mountain that Pen Twyn Glas is a part of. It's taller and more prominent.
- Mynydd Llysiau: This hill is also nearby on the same ridge.
- Waun Fach: This is the highest point in the Black Mountains. From Pen Twyn Glas, you can often see Waun Fach in the distance.
These hills together form a great area for exploring. Many walking paths connect them, offering different routes for adventurers.
Hiking to Pen Twyn Glas
Reaching the summit of Pen Twyn Glas is a rewarding experience. The paths are generally well-worn, but they can be steep in places. Hikers often start from nearby valleys or other peaks. The views from the top are amazing, especially on a clear day. You can see across the rolling hills of the Black Mountains and beyond.
It's important for hikers to be prepared. The weather in the mountains can change quickly. Always bring warm clothes, waterproof gear, and enough food and water. A map and compass (or a GPS device) are also very helpful.
Wildlife in the Area
The Black Mountains are home to various types of wildlife. While hiking, you might spot different birds, like red kites soaring overhead. You could also see mountain ponies grazing freely. These ponies are hardy animals that are well-suited to the mountain environment. The open moorland also supports many insects and small mammals.
The plants you'll see are typical of moorland areas. Heather, various grasses, and mosses cover the ground. In some wetter areas, you might find bog plants.
Why is it Important?
Even though Pen Twyn Glas isn't the biggest mountain, it's an important part of the Black Mountains landscape. It contributes to the natural beauty and the network of walking routes that make this area special. For hikers, reaching its summit offers a sense of achievement and fantastic views. It's a great example of the smaller, yet significant, features that make up a mountain range.
