Camlough Lake parking area

The car park at Camlough Lake is where most people begin their walk around this modest but pleasant water body south of Newry. It's a proper little spot - nothing fancy, just somewhere to leave the car and get out properly into the Mourne foothills. The lake itself sits in quietly beautiful countryside, ringed by low hills and the kind of peaceful shoreline that makes you wonder why you don't do this more often.

Most visitors park up and walk the circuit around the water, which takes the better part of an hour and is manageable for families with older kids or any reasonably fit adult. The views back towards the Mourne Mountains are decent, especially on a clear day, though you'll want decent shoes as sections can be boggy. It's not a destination on its own - you won't spend half a day here - but it makes an excellent addition to a walking holiday in the area. The nearby Hilltop Hideaway, just six miles away, offers a proper escape with its private hot tub, ideal for those planning a few days exploring the local hills and water.

Come early if you can. The car park fills up on summer weekends, and the whole experience is better without a crowd. It's free, as you'd expect from a council car park, and there are no facilities worth mentioning - bring what you need. Perfect if you're based somewhere like the Hilltop and fancy a gentle morning's walk before heading further into the Mournes.