Slieve Corragh

Standing at 739 metres, this granite dome offers one of the more accessible routes into the heart of the Mournes. The walk from the Bloody Bridge car park takes about two hours up a well-defined path that's steep enough to get your heart pumping but won't leave experienced walkers gasping.

From the summit, you'll get proper views across the Irish Sea and down to Newcastle - though honestly, the neighbouring peaks of Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh steal some of the thunder. What Slieve Corragh lacks in drama, it makes up for in being a solid training ground for bigger Mourne adventures.

Families with teenagers who fancy a challenge will find this a good introduction to mountain walking. The path is clear enough that you won't need navigation skills, but it's still a proper mountain with all the usual weather warnings. Allow four hours for the round trip and pack waterproofs - the Mournes are notorious for sudden weather changes.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Tollymore Campsite or Bloody Bridge puts you right at the foot of the mountains. It's well worth combining this with a gentler walk through Tollymore Forest Park if you've got less keen walkers in tow.