Knockower

A modest Dodd rising to 511 metres on the eastern edge of the Rhinns of Kells ridge in the Galloway Hills. The summit forms part of a long, grassy spine that characterises this quieter end of the range, offering straightforward walking terrain with wide views across Dumfries and Galloway's upland landscape.

• •The name Knockower derives from the Gaelic 'cnoc odhar', meaning 'dun-coloured hill' or 'tawny hill', likely describing the grassy, brown-toned slopes that dominate its appearance outside the growing season.
• •The hill forms the northeastern anchor of the Rhinns of Kells ridge, one of three parallel ridges in this part of the Galloway Hills, neighboured westward by the Range of the Awful Hand and the Dungeon Hills.
• •Access is most commonly gained from Garryhorn Farm near Carsphairn or Forrest Estate north of St. John's Town of Dalry, with the A713 providing the main approach road to the eastern flanks of the range.
• •The Rhinns of Kells ridge is entirely contained within the Galloway Forest Park, though its linear nature means a full traverse typically requires transport at both ends or a willingness to walk several miles of road back to your start point.