Plynlimon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pen Pumlumon Fawr
The northern slopes of Pumlumon Fawr
Highest point
Elevation	752 m (2,467 ft)
Prominence	526 m (1,726 ft)
Parent peak	Pen y Fan
Listing	Marilyn, Hewitt, Council top, Nuttall
Naming
English translation	five tops, five beacons
Language of name	Welsh
Geography
Location	Ceredigion, Wales
Parent range	Cambrian Mountains
OS grid	SN789869
Topo map	OS Landranger 135

Plynlimon is the highest mountain in the Cambrian Mountains in Wales. It is also the highest point in Mid Wales. The name Plynlimon comes from the Welsh word Pumlumon.

Plynlimon is a large group of mountains that stands out in the area. It is the highest point in Ceredigion, which is a county in Wales.

The very top of this mountain group is called Pen Pumlumon Fawr. It is 752 meters (2,467 feet) above sea level. Other important peaks in the area include Pen Pumlumon Arwystli, Y Garn, Pen Pumlumon Llygad-bychan, and Pumlumon Fach.

Many important rivers start on Plynlimon. The River Severn, which is the longest river in Britain, begins here. The Wye and Rheidol rivers also have their sources on this mountain.

An old story says that a sleeping giant lives inside Pumlumon.

What Does Plynlimon Mean?

The name Plynlimon comes from the Welsh name Pumlumon. People think it means "five tops" or "five beacons".

The first part of the name, Pum, means "five" in Welsh. The second part, llumon, means "beacon". A beacon is like a signal fire on a hill. This name shows that the mountain has five main peaks.

Plynlimon's Natural Environment

The Pumlumon area is the largest watershed in Wales. This means it's where many rivers begin and flow from. The rivers Wye, Severn, and Rheidol all start here.

Since 2007, the Wildlife Trusts of Wales have been working to improve the natural environment. They call this a "living landscape" project. This area has faced challenges like losing different kinds of plants and animals. The soil, which is very peaty, has also been damaged. This has caused water to drain away too quickly. Some people believe this fast drainage might make flooding worse in areas further downstream.

Like many high areas in Wales, Pumlumon's habitats have been changed or damaged. This is due to how the land has been used. For example, too many sheep grazing has made the soil hard. This can lead to more flooding in lower areas.

The Pumlumon area has many important habitats. These include dry and wet heathland (areas with small shrubs). There are also blanket bogs (wet, spongy ground) and acid grasslands. Several clear, clean lakes are also found here. You can also see farmed grasslands, forests with broad-leaved trees, and tree farms.

The Pumlumon area is also a key place for birds. Many birds come here to breed, spend the winter, or find food. These include the hen harrier, merlin, short-eared owl, and red and black grouse. Rare insects are also found here. The red kite, a beautiful bird of prey, is often seen in the area. Sadly, the number of Golden Plovers has dropped a lot since 1992.

The Severn Way Trail

The Severn Way is a long walking path. It stretches for 210 miles (337 kilometers) along the River Severn. The trail starts at the mouth of the Severn near Bristol, England. It ends at the source of the river on Plynlimon, in Wales.

See also

In Spanish: Pumlumon para niños