Luke's Mountain

Rising to 668 metres in the heart of the Mourne Mountains, this modest peak offers one of the most rewarding climbs in County Down without the crowds that flock to Slieve Donard. The ascent from the Annalong Valley takes about two hours of steady walking through heather and granite outcrops, with proper boots essential given the boggy sections lower down.

From the summit, the views stretch across the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man on clear days, while the Mourne Wall snakes dramatically across neighbouring peaks. It's particularly lovely in autumn when the bracken turns golden.

Serious walkers will appreciate Luke's Mountain as part of a longer ridge walk, though families with older children (say 12 plus) can tackle it as a day trip from Newcastle. The mountain is free to climb year-round, but weather changes quickly up here so pack layers and waterproofs.

Staying at one of the holiday parks near Newcastle puts you right at the gateway to the Mournes. Tollymore Forest Park, just a couple of miles away, makes an excellent base with its forest walks and riverside paths - perfect for warming up legs before tackling Luke's Mountain or winding down afterwards with something gentler.