Tullynasoo Mountain

Climbing this 1,690-foot peak in the Mourne Mountains delivers proper mountain views without the slog of tackling Slieve Donard. The path winds steadily upward through heather and bracken, with the granite outcrops giving your legs a workout but nothing too punishing. From the summit cairn, the whole sweep of the Mournes unfolds before you - a cracking panorama that takes in the Irish Sea and on clear days stretches across to Scotland. Serious walkers will find Tullynasoo makes an excellent warm-up for bigger Mourne peaks, while families with older children (say 10 plus) can manage the ascent in about an hour and a half. The descent's easier on the knees than some of the steeper Mourne routes. Best tackled in decent weather - the exposed summit can be grim when the clouds roll in from the coast. Free to climb obviously, though parking near Castlewellan can fill up on sunny weekends. The mountain sits conveniently close to several holiday parks around Castlewellan, making it a lovely day out from Tollymore Campsite or the glamping options at Pine Tree Hollow. Well worth combining with a visit to nearby Tollymore Forest Park if you fancy mixing mountain and woodland walking.