Slieve Binnian East Top

Standing at 747 metres, this eastern summit of Slieve Binnian offers one of the Mournes' most spectacular panoramas without the crowds that flock to the main peak. The climb from Silent Valley car park takes about two hours each way, following well-marked paths through heather moorland and granite scree.

Experienced walkers will relish the challenging but manageable ascent, particularly the final scramble over granite slabs that leads to the tor-crowned summit. On clear days, you can see across to Scotland and south to the Wicklow Mountains - it's genuinely breathtaking stuff. Families with older children who are comfortable with rough terrain will manage fine, though this isn't a casual stroll.

The peak forms part of the Mourne Wall walk, that famous 22-mile stone barrier that's become something of a pilgrimage for serious hikers. Weather changes fast up here, so proper gear is essential even in summer. Allow four to five hours for the full experience, including time to properly appreciate those views.

From your base at one of the nearby parks around Newry, it makes for a proper day out in the Mournes. Annalong Holiday Park sits particularly well for mountain access, while Tollymore Forest Park camping offers woodland walks for recovery days. This eastern approach feels wilder and more remote than the standard Binnian routes - well worth the extra effort.