Slievenaslat

Rising to 370 metres above sea level, this unassuming peak sits quietly in the shadows of its more famous Mourne Mountain neighbours. The walk up Slievenaslat from Castlewellan takes about 45 minutes along well-defined sheep tracks, though you'll need proper walking boots as it gets boggy near the top.

Families with older children will find this a manageable introduction to Mourne walking - not too demanding but rewarding enough when you reach the summit. The views stretch across Newcastle Bay on clear days, with the distinctive profile of Slieve Donard dominating the southern horizon.

What makes this climb particularly worthwhile is the sense of having the mountain largely to yourself. While crowds head for the bigger peaks, Slievenaslat offers proper hill walking without the queues. Allow two to three hours for the round trip, and check the weather before setting off as mist rolls in quickly here.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Tollymore Campsite puts you right at the heart of Mourne country. The mountain works well as a warm-up hike before tackling higher peaks, or as a gentler alternative if the weather's turned nasty on Slieve Donard. Not spectacular, but a solid choice for anyone wanting to stretch their legs in proper mountain country without the full-day commitment.