Leganabruchan

Standing at 1,020 feet, this Mourne Mountains peak offers one of the more accessible hill walks in the area without the crowds that flock to Slieve Donard. The climb from Newcastle takes about an hour and a half up well-marked paths, though it gets properly steep in the final third.

From the summit, you'll get cracking views across Dundrum Bay and the Irish Sea on clear days. The real draw though is looking inland to the higher Mourne peaks - it's a brilliant spot to appreciate the scale of this mountain range. Families with older children (say 10+) will manage fine, but toddlers definitely won't.

The walk starts right from Newcastle's edge, making it dead convenient if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Bloody Bridge Campsite or Windsor Holiday Park. Early morning is best - fewer people about and you'll often catch the mist rolling off the higher peaks.

Expect to spend three hours round trip including a proper break at the top. It's free obviously, being a mountain, and accessible year-round though winter conditions can be tricky. Proper walking boots essential - the granite can be slippery when wet. Well worth doing if you want a taste of the Mournes without committing to the bigger peaks.