River Haffes facts for kids
The Afon Haffes (pronounced "Ah-von Haff-ess") is a small but interesting river located in Powys, Wales. The name "Afon" means "river" in Welsh. This river is entirely found within the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park, which is also known by its Welsh name, Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog. National Parks are special areas protected for their natural beauty and wildlife.
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Journey of the Afon Haffes
The Afon Haffes begins its journey high up in the mountains. Its "headwaters," which are the small streams that form the very start of a river, flow from the southern and western sides of a mountain called Fan Hir. This mountain is on the eastern edge of a larger area known as the Black Mountain, or Y Mynydd Du in Welsh.
From its source, the river flows steeply downwards for about 3 kilometers (or 2 miles) towards the southeast. It eventually joins a larger river called the River Tawe in a place called Glyntawe.
How the Valley Was Formed
The Cwm Haffes Trench
The valley through which the Afon Haffes flows is known as Cwm Haffes. A "cwm" is a Welsh word for a valley or a hollow, often shaped by glaciers. This valley is like a deep trench that was carved out over many thousands of years.
Glaciers and Ancient Rocks
The trench was formed by the powerful forces of nature, especially during the last ice age. Huge sheets of ice, called glaciers, moved across the land, scraping away rock and soil. When these glaciers melted, they left behind a mix of clay, sand, and rocks called "glacial till". The Afon Haffes has cut its way through this material, creating the valley we see today.
The river also flows along an important geological line. To the north, you can find older rocks known as Old Red Sandstone. To the south, there are different rocks called Carboniferous Limestone. This boundary between the two types of rock has also influenced how the valley was shaped.
Sgwd Ddu: The Black Fall
At the very top of this carved-out valley, you'll find a waterfall known as Sgwd Ddu. Its name means "black fall" in Welsh, which might describe the color of the rocks around it or the deep, dark pool at its base.
River Branches and Boulders
As the Afon Haffes gets closer to joining the River Tawe, it does something interesting: it splits into two smaller streams. These are called "distributaries". This happens because the river carries a lot of heavy material, like large rocks and boulders. These boulders come from the glacial till that the river has been cutting through. When the river slows down as it reaches the flatter land near the River Tawe, it drops these heavy rocks, which can cause the river to divide into different paths.
