Drum (Wales)

Drum is a common topographical element in Wales, referring to a long, rounded ridge or hill. It is frequently used in place names throughout the country. The term derives from the Welsh word "drum," which has the same meaning. These landforms are often formed by glacial activity, such as the movement and deposition of glacial till. They are generally smaller and less imposing than mountains, but can still be significant features in the landscape. Drums are often associated with drumlin fields, areas containing numerous parallel or clustered drum-shaped hills. Their elongated shape typically indicates the direction of former glacial flow. While the term 'drum' can be used generically for any rounded hill, in Wales it specifically describes these glacial landforms, often with a distinct, smoother profile compared to more jagged or rocky peaks.