Slieve Commedagh

Standing at 767 metres, this granite giant forms the second-highest peak in the Mourne Mountains and delivers one of the finest panoramic views in Northern Ireland. The summit rewards serious hikers with sweeping vistas across the Irish Sea to Scotland's coast on clear days, plus dramatic views down to Newcastle and along the County Down coastline.

Getting to the top requires proper walking boots and a decent level of fitness - it's a challenging 4-5 hour round trip from the Bloody Bridge car park via the Annalong Valley route. The initial woodland path gives way to steep, rocky terrain that'll test your legs, but experienced walkers will find the scramble exhilarating rather than daunting.

Families with young children should probably give this one a miss - it's genuinely tough going and not suitable for casual strollers. Mountain enthusiasts and serious hikers, however, will absolutely love it. The sense of achievement at the summit is proper rewarding, especially when the weather plays ball.

Weather can change rapidly up here, so pack waterproofs even on seemingly fine days. Early morning starts often yield the clearest views before afternoon clouds roll in. From Newcastle, you're perfectly positioned for a Mourne Mountains adventure, with several holiday parks like Bloody Bridge Campsite and Tollymore Campsite offering convenient bases for multi-day hiking trips in this spectacular mountain range.