Sawel Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sawel |
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| Samhail or Samhail Phite Méabha | |
Sawel as seen from the southeast.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 678 m (2,224 ft) |
| Prominence | 580 m (1,900 ft) |
| Listing | County Top (Derry and Tyrone), Marilyn, Hewitt |
| Naming | |
| Language of name | Irish |
| Geography | |
 Sawel
Location in Northern Ireland
Sawel
Location in island of Ireland
Sawel
Location in the United Kingdom
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| Location | County Londonderry/County Tyrone, Northern Ireland |
| Parent range | Sperrins |
| OSI/OSNI grid | H618973 |
| Topo map | OSNI Discoverer Series 13 The Sperrins (1:50000), OSNI Activity Map Sperrins (1:25000) |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Psammite & semipellite |
Sawel Mountain is the tallest peak in the Sperrin Mountains. It is also the 8th highest mountain in all of Northern Ireland. Sawel is the highest mountain in Northern Ireland that is not part of the Mourne Mountain range, which is found in County Down.
Contents
Exploring Sawel Mountain's Location
Sawel Mountain is located right on the border between two counties. To the north of the mountain, you will find County Londonderry. To the south, it borders County Tyrone.
Understanding Sawel's Height and Rocks
The very top of Sawel Mountain is 678 metres (2,224 feet) high. The mountain's summit is made of a type of rock called crystalline limestone. This rock gives us clues about how the mountain was formed long ago.
Plants and Wildlife on Sawel Mountain
Around the top of Sawel Mountain, you can find special plant life. This area is known as montane heathland. Here, plants like heather, bilberries, and cowberries grow. These plants are important for the local wildlife. However, too much walking and animal grazing can harm this delicate plant life.
Rivers Starting from Sawel
Sawel Mountain is also an important source of water. The River Faughan begins its journey here. This river flows for about 29 miles (47 kilometres). It eventually joins the River Foyle, which is a larger river.
The Name of Sawel Mountain
The name "Sawel" comes from the Irish language. It refers to a hollow or a small valley on the side of the mountain. In the past, people also called it Slieve Sawel. The word sliabh means "mountain" in Irish. So, Slieve Sawel simply means "Sawel Mountain."
