Slieve Roe

The walk up Slieve Roe doesn't take long, which is exactly why it works so well as a half-day outing from Newry. You're looking at roughly two hours there and back, give or take depending on your fitness and how often you stop for photos. The summit sits at 1,300 metres, making it one of the lower peaks in the Mourne range, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a dawdle - the terrain is proper rocky underfoot and the final push is steeper than it looks from below.

On a clear day the views sweep across County Down and down towards Carlingford Lough. You can see why people make the effort. The path is well-trodden but not overcrowded, which means you'll actually hear yourself think up there. Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger ones might find the loose stone tiring.

What makes Slieve Roe clever is that it slots perfectly into a week exploring the Mournes proper. Pitch at Greenview Glamping or Kilbroney Caravan Park - both within spitting distance of Newry - and you've got bigger hikes nearby. Slieve Donard, the range's flagship, sits a bit further south, but Slieve Roe is the sensible warm-up. Free to climb, no facilities at the top, so bring water and something to eat. Go in summer when the light lasts and the ground isn't boggy. Winter turns this into a proper mountain experience, which means proper kit required.