Clermont Carn

The walk up Clermont Carn isn't long, but it rewards you properly. Starting from near Newry, you're climbing to around 340 metres, which means the views across County Down open up quickly. On a clear day you can see right across to the Mourne Mountains - those distinctive peaks that dominate the skyline around here.

It's a straightforward hill walk rather than a technical hike, which makes it good for families who've got reasonably fit kids. Allow an hour for the climb and descent if you're not rushing. The terrain's a bit boggy underfoot in places, especially after rain, so decent boots matter more than fancy kit.

Why come here? Honestly, if you're already in the Newry area staying at somewhere like Kilbroney Caravan Park, it's a brilliant way to get height and perspective without the full-day commitment of the Mournes themselves. The view's not dramatic in the way mountains further south are, but there's something satisfying about how much landscape spreads beneath you from such a modest elevation.

The nearest proper facilities are back in Newry itself. There's no visitor centre or café at the top - bring water and something to eat if you're making a morning of it. Free to visit, obviously, being a hill in the countryside. Best in the warmer months when the bog's least squelchy, though the view in winter when the light's clear can be rather striking. Not worth a special trip on its own, but genuinely worth the detour if you're exploring the area.