Knowl Hill is a satellite of the somewhat higher Cowpe Moss and Whittle Hill land mass, but it's distinctive shape makes it a landmark that stands out from afar. Indeed, when my children were little and saw it from across the Irwell valley, they called it a mountain, and my daughter adopted it as her own - hence the title! When the snow falls on high ground in this area, Knowl Hill always gets a good coating and looks quite impressive.
In recent years Knowl Moor and adjacent Scout Moor have been the subject of much controversy due to proposals for a wind farm which caused a lot of local opposition. UPDATE The work on the windfarm has started and it will certainly have a big impact on the landscape.
So on to the cache: free car parking is available in a large layby on the A680 overlooking Ashworth Moor Reservoir (Ashy Res!) and you can call in at "Near the burger van" by M0SGB at the same time. Half an hour's walk should easily see you to the summit, and there is a choice of routes, the main path being as wide as a motorway in parts where it crosses soft peat. Just before reaching the steepest part of the walk the path crosses a stream with a rocky bed, great for children to paddle in with their wellies on.
This area is very popular with the locals for Sunday strolls, and also with off-road motorcyclists, so if you want peace and quiet, early mornings or weekdays may be best. Also, if the mist is down you may need to use your GPS to re-locate your car!
On the summit is the added bonus of a trig point, plus a benchmark engraved in a stone at ground level. There's also a wind shelter and a plinth that I think used to support a view plaque.
The cache is situated a little way beyond the summit, but as this is a popular place, please re-hide it very carefully and use stealth if necessary. It's a small lock-and-lock box containing log book, pencils and sharpener and some small trading items.
