Slieveanowen

The walk up Slieveanowen is a proper leg-stretcher, rising above the Newry area with views that stretch across the Mourne Mountains when the weather cooperates. It's not the tallest peak around, but the climb rewards you with open moorland and the kind of perspective that makes you understand why people bother with hills at all.

You'll be on footpaths most of the way up, though it gets steep in patches - nothing technical, just the sort of steady grunt that leaves you genuinely pleased when you reach the top. The moorland terrain means there's minimal shade, so pick a day when the clouds aren't sitting on the summit.

This works best for keen walkers rather than families with young kids, though teenagers who don't mind a decent hike will be fine. Allow a couple of hours for the round trip depending on fitness and how long you linger at the top. It's free to access, naturally - it's a mountain.

If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Kilbroney is just 2.2 miles away, or Oakwood glamping a bit further - this makes a satisfying morning or afternoon outing. The Mourne Mountains proper draw most visitors, so Slieveanowen gets quieter, which is honestly its best feature. Go when you're in the mood for solitude rather than expecting a dramatic viewpoint experience.