Gruggandoo

The walk up Gruggandoo rewards you with one of those rare views that makes the climb actually worth it. You're looking across the Mourne Mountains from a proper vantage point - the kind of spot where you understand why people get obsessed with this corner of Northern Ireland. It's not the highest peak around Newry, but it punches above its weight for the effort required.

The ascent itself takes about forty minutes from the car park, following a well-trodden path through moorland. Sheep graze on the slopes, and on a clear day you can see right across to the Irish Sea. The summit is bare and windswept, which means the views don't get blocked by trees - you get the full panorama. Walkers will absolutely get their money's worth here. Families with teenagers keen on a moderate hill walk should manage it without complaint, though younger kids might find the moorland stretch a bit monotonous.

There's no charge and no facilities at the peak itself, so bring water and something to eat. Allow two hours for the round trip if you're taking your time at the top. The best light hits the mountains in late afternoon, which also means fewer crowds if you time it right.

If you're based at one of the nearby glamping sites - Greenview or Oakwood are both excellent - this makes a proper morning or afternoon mission. It slots nicely into a Mourne Mountains itinerary without requiring a full day commitment. Worth doing.