Cratlieve

The walk up Cratlieve doesn't take long, which is either a blessing or a slight disappointment depending on what you're after. This modest peak sits near Castlewellan in County Down, and from the top you get decent views across the Mourne foothills and the surrounding countryside. It's not a dramatic climb - nothing like the higher peaks you'll find further south - but it's the sort of walk that rewards you without demanding hours of your time.

The appeal here is straightforward. If you're camped at Slieve Croob Camping just down the road, or staying at one of the glamping spots nearby, this makes a natural morning sortie. Families with younger legs will manage it without complaint. The terrain is gentle enough that you're not scrambling, but varied enough to keep things interesting. Allow an hour or so for the ascent and descent, maybe a bit longer if you're stopping to take in the view or eating a sandwich at the top.

Walkers passing through the area en route to the Mournes might tick this one off as a warm-up. History types will find little to engage with - it's pure landscape. The nearest town is Castlewellan, which sits close enough that you could combine this with a visit to Castlewellan Forest Park if you want a fuller day out. Go on a clear day. The view vanishes if the clouds come in, and there's not much else to hold your attention on a grey afternoon.