Aughanduff Lower Mountain

The walk up Aughanduff Lower Mountain isn't for the faint-hearted, but the effort pays off properly. You're looking at a decent climb from Newry - around 500 metres of elevation gain depending on which route you tackle - and the path can get boggy underfoot when the weather's been poor. That said, the views across County Down once you reach the summit are genuinely worth the shin-splints.

This works best for serious walkers rather than casual family strollers. You'll need proper boots, a decent level of fitness, and ideally a map or GPS because the moorland terrain doesn't hold your hand. The reward is solitude and sweeping views towards the Mourne Mountains proper - if visibility's good, you can see for miles. The whole outing takes a good three to four hours depending on your pace and which approach you choose.

Winter's a non-starter unless you know what you're doing; spring and autumn are ideal. Summer's fine too if you get lucky with the weather. There's no cafe at the top - just you and the wind and possibly some very unimpressed sheep.

If you're staying at somewhere like Hilltop Hideaway, a pod with a hot tub just up the road, this pairs nicely with a quieter park break. You get your hiking fix during the day, then sink into that tub at night feeling genuinely spent. It's not a quick tick-box attraction - it's the sort of walk you need to commit proper time to.