Scarva Park

The Scarva River cuts through this nature reserve like it owns the place, and frankly, it does. You're getting a proper stretch of Ulster countryside here - woodland, river gorge, the works - just outside Markethill, and it's genuinely worth the detour if you're camping at Tepee Valley or exploring the area.

What you actually do is walk. There are paths along the riverbank, some rougher than others, and the gorge itself is the main draw. The water's the real star; it moves fast and dark through the banks, and in spring or after rain it's properly impressive. The woodland's nothing that'll knock your socks off - it's native oak and ash, dense enough to keep things cool on a warm day. Most people spend an hour to ninety minutes here, maybe a bit longer if you're keen on spotting birds.

This isn't a destination on its own, to be honest. But if you're staying at Tepee Valley or based around Banbridge or Armagh City, it's a solid addition to a morning's exploring. Families with kids will manage fine, though the paths can be muddy and uneven - wellies are sensible. It's free to access, no facilities to speak of, so come prepared.

Go when the light's decent - early or late day makes the gorge look better than it probably deserves. Winter after rainfall is genuinely atmospheric, but spring's prettier if you care about that sort of thing.