River Pyrddin
The River Pyrddin is a river forming the border between Brecknockshire and Glamorgan. It also forms a part of the boundary of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The river and its waterfalls are one of the key attractions of the Fforest Fawr Geopark.
The streams of Nant y Bryn, Nant y Fedwen and Nant Hir come together to form the Pyrddin which flows south-eastwards for three miles to its confluence with the Nedd Fechan.[1]
Waterfalls
The Pyrddin is best known for two spectacular waterfalls, Sgwd Gwladus and Sgwd Einion Gam, meaning the 'lady's fall' and the 'fall of crooked Einion' respectively. Sgwd Gwladus is formed where a band of erosion-resistant gritstone known as the 'Twelve Foot Sandstone' creates a lip over which the river plunges. It is easily accessible by footpath from Pontneddfechan. A notable feature beside the fall is the erratic block of gritstone which was balanced so that it rocked - at least until Victorian times when it was displaced. The ruins of a small building close to the falls are thought to be those of a corn-mill.
Sgwd Einion Gam, which is a further half mile, upstream can be accessed only by crossing and re-crossing the river itself. This fall is caused by the presence of a geological fault which brings another hard sandstone known as the 'Farewell Rock' up against softer mudstones.[2][3]
Habitat protection
The steep and wooded gorge of the Pyrddin – like that of its neighbours, the Nedd Fechan, River Mellte, and River Hepste – is home to many rare bryophytes which enjoy the cool humid conditions which exist here. Accordingly, it has been designated as both a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation.[4]
References
- ↑ Ordnance Survey Explorer map sheet OL12 'Brecon Beacons National Park: western area'
- ↑ Brecon Beacons National Park website
- ↑ British Geological Survey 1:50,000 map no. 231 'Merthyr Tydfil' & accompanying memoir
- ↑ Natural Resources Wales website