Barnagh Hill

The walk up Barnagh Hill takes maybe forty minutes on a clear day, depending on your fitness and how often you stop for photos. It's not dramatic - nothing like the Mourne Mountains you see across the water - but that's rather the point. From Newtownards, you're looking at a modest climb with decent views across Strangford Lough if the weather cooperates.

What makes it worthwhile is the walk itself more than the destination. The paths are well-trodden, the countryside rolling and quiet, and you'll spot enough local walkers to know you're not on some obscure route. The views from the top sweep across the Ards Peninsula towards Downpatrick and beyond. On a murky day it's all a bit grey; get lucky with sunshine and visibility, and it opens right up.

Walkers will get something out of this. Families with young kids might find it a bit of a slog for limited payoff, though there's nothing technical about it. History buffs should know there's archaeological interest in these hills, though you won't see much marked signage.

If you're basing yourself at Dunroamin Caravan Park over in Millisle - a decent enough spot, five miles away - then Barnagh Hill works as a morning walk before heading to the coast. Don't make a special trip for it, but if you're exploring the Ards, it's a proper way to spend an hour or two outdoors without faffing about with major tourist attractions. Free, naturally.