Lighthouse Road viewpoint

The walk up Lighthouse Road rewards you with one of the finest views across County Down. You're looking out over Castlewellan and beyond toward the Mourne Mountains - the whole landscape spreads out below you like a map someone's left on a table. The road itself is steep and narrow, so go early if you want peace. Twenty minutes gets you to the viewpoint proper, though locals tell you the views only get better the higher you push.

It's a proper walker's spot, this one. Families with young kids might find the climb a bit much, especially if legs are already tired from other Mourne explorations. But anyone who's reasonably fit and enjoys hillside walks will get their money's worth in views alone - no entrance fee, no faffing about.

Time it for late afternoon when the light turns golden across the valleys, or come after rain when everything's sharp and clear. Allow an hour if you're taking photos and lingering. The real appeal here is combining it with nearby spots - Castlewellan Forest Park is only a few miles down the road, and the glamping and camping sites around Slieve Croob and Pine Tree Hollow are close enough that you could base yourself for a proper walking holiday. This viewpoint works best as part of a larger route through the area rather than a standalone visit, but the effort of getting up here pays for itself in the views.