Cock Mountain

The walk up Cock Mountain rewards you with proper views across the Mourne Mountains and down towards Newry - the sort of vista that makes the huffing and puffing worthwhile. It's a straightforward hill walk rather than a technical climb, meaning families with decent boots and decent fitness can manage it without drama.

The peak itself sits within the Mourne range, that distinctive cluster of granite hills that dominates this corner of Northern Ireland. On a clear day you're looking at views stretching across to the Irish Sea. On a murky one, frankly, it's a bit anticlimactic - so timing matters here. The walk takes a couple of hours round trip depending on your pace and where you start from.

This is genuinely useful territory if you're based at one of the glamping spots nearby. Greenview Glamping sits just 1.5 miles away and makes for a comfortable overnight stop if you're combining it with other Mourne walks. The Rock Caravan and Camping, a bit further out at 4.6 miles, gives you more space to spread out. Oakwood Glamping in the Mournes themselves puts you even closer to the action at 3.6 miles.

Walkers will get the most from this - it's not a destination in itself, more a solid morning outing when you're staying in the area. Kids who enjoy hill walks won't complain, but there's no summit café or visitor facilities to speak of. Free to access, as with most walking routes in Northern Ireland. The ground can be boggy in places, so waterproof boots aren't optional.