Knockan

Knockan

Knockan Group Walks | Join a Walk

372m Elevation
179m Prominence
Scotland Country

Join group walks, find walking companions and friends, or organise your own!

Classifications

Marilyn 300-399m Tump

Looking for walking companions?

Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Knockan together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

372m

1,220 ft

Prominence

179m

Coordinates

57.5039, -3.0847

NJ351464

OS Map

28

Explorer: 424S

At the Summit

The summit features a modest cairn and a delightful panoramic view point that gives a sense of standing on top of the world - or at least a good bit of it!

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops a delightful mix of soft grass and the occasional surprise in the form of an unexpected rock.

Knockan is primarily composed of limestone and dolostone, formed during the Silurian period. The area features interesting karst formations and unique cave systems, making it a geologist's delight.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, you can see the Mourne Mountains to the east and the coastline of the Irish Sea stretching out to the horizon.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name Knockan derives from the Irish 'Cnocan’, meaning 'little hill', which is a rather modest self-description for such a charming summit!

Historical Significance

The area has historical significance due to its ancient stone structures and connection to local folklore.

Popular Routes

Knockan Access Route

Easy

A well-trodden path that winds gently up from the parking area to the summit. Perfect for families and beginners.

3.5 km 1.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

A small car park located at the base of the hill, accessible from the A24. It can fill up quickly on weekends, so early birds catch the worm - or, in this case, the parking spot!

Public Transport

Limited public transport options exist; local buses may drop you off several kilometers away. Better to arrange a lift or bring your own wheels.

Nearby Facilities

Nearby Castlewellan offers cafes, public toilets, and options for overnight stays if you're planning to make a weekend of your adventure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Weather can be changeable; prepare for wind and rain. Slippery rocks in wet conditions can pose a risk.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Find Walking Companions

Join friendly walkers exploring Knockan and surrounding area

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Knockan?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Knockan through the maps

Are there other walkers around Knockan?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Knockan search or of course create your own walk for Knockan

Can I organise a walk to Knockan?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Knockan.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Knockan?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Knockan here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible