Hen Mountain

The walk up Hen Mountain rewards you with proper views across the Mourne Mountains and beyond - on a clear day you can see all the way to the Irish Sea. It's not the tallest peak in the range, which means it gets fewer crowds than its bigger neighbours, and the climb is genuinely manageable for families with older kids or anyone after a half-day outing rather than an epic slog.

The path itself is well-trodden but can get boggy after rain, so decent boots matter. Allow around two hours return from the car park, depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top. The summit views are the main draw - moorland stretches out in every direction, and on windless days it's a cracking spot for a flask of tea and a sit-down.

Historically it's less loaded with stories than some of the Mournes' other peaks, so don't come expecting ancient fortifications or Iron Age rings. Come for the walk and the landscape. Walkers and fell runners use it regularly; families will find it less demanding than higher peaks nearby.

Newry is your nearest town for supplies before heading out, though you'll want to start early if you're visiting in winter when daylight vanishes fast. If you're staying at Greenview Glamping just a mile away, or at The Rock Caravan and Camping further up the range, Hen Mountain works perfectly as a morning or afternoon venture to break up a longer holiday in the area. It's worth the detour if you're already in the Mournes.