Afon Hepste facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Afon Hepste |
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Sgwd yr Eira, Afon Hepste
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| Country | Wales |
| State | Powys |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Fan Fawr 51°51′35″N 3°30′10″W / 51.85972°N 3.50278°W |
| River mouth | Afon Mellte 51°46′38″N 3°33′38″W / 51.77722°N 3.56056°W |
The Afon Hepste is a lovely river in Powys, Wales. Part of its journey forms the border between Powys and Rhondda Cynon Taf. This whole river flows inside the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park.
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About the Afon Hepste River
The Afon Hepste starts from several smaller streams. These streams are called the Afon y Waun, Nant y Cwrier, and Nant Hepste Fechan. They begin high up on the slopes of Fforest Fawr. These slopes are made of a type of rock called Old Red Sandstone.
The River's Journey
Near a farm called Hepste Fechan, these smaller streams join together. This is where the Afon Hepste officially begins. As the river flows, it crosses over different types of rock. Sometimes, the water even disappears underground! This happens when the river flows over Carboniferous Limestone. The water then flows through caves and cracks in the rock.
Further downstream, the river flows over a harder rock called Millstone Grit. This type of rock is very strong.
The Famous Waterfall: Sgwd yr Eira
The Afon Hepste is most famous for its stunning waterfall, Sgwd yr Eira. In Welsh, "Sgwd yr Eira" means 'fall of snow'. This waterfall is special because the river plunges over a tough band of gritstone.
What makes Sgwd yr Eira so popular is that you can actually walk behind the falling water! A public footpath goes right behind the waterfall. This makes it a very exciting place to visit. It's one of the most visited spots in an area known as Waterfall Country.
Where the River Ends
About one mile downstream from Sgwd yr Eira, the Afon Hepste joins another river. This river is called the Afon Mellte. They meet near the village of Ystradfellte.
