Spences Mountain

Standing at 570 metres above the town of Newry, Spences Mountain delivers one of the most rewarding climbs in the Mournes without the savage gradients of its bigger brothers. The summit offers sweeping views across Carlingford Lough and south into County Louth - on a clear day you can spot the Wicklow Mountains shimmering in the distance.

Walkers tackling the ascent from the Happy Valley car park face a steady but manageable climb through heather and granite outcrops. The path isn't always obvious higher up, so decent navigation skills help. Allow three hours for the round trip if you're reasonably fit.

Families with older children will find this more achievable than Slieve Donard, though it's still a proper mountain walk requiring decent boots and weather awareness. The Mournes can turn nasty quickly, even in summer.

From any of the nearby holiday parks around Annalong or those tucked away near Tollymore Forest, Spences makes for an excellent day out. Camping Tollymore Forest Park sits barely five miles away, giving you woodland walks as a gentler alternative. The mountain pairs well with exploring the Silent Valley or tackling the longer Mourne Wall walk if you're staying for a week.