The Silent Valley

Water, stone, and silence - that's what draws people to Silent Valley, tucked into the Mourne Mountains south of Newry. This is a reservoir surrounded by steep granite slopes, and the walk down to it hits differently than you'd expect. The valley floor opens up to reveal the water backed by bare rock faces that feel almost Alpine. You'll find a car park at the top and a straightforward path leading down - nothing technical, but it's properly steep on the return leg.

The whole thing takes about two hours return, though you can linger longer if you've brought a picnic. History buffs will appreciate that the valley was flooded in 1962 to create the reservoir, drowning the original settlement below. There's something melancholy about that fact when you're standing there.

Walkers get the most from this one. The path is clear and well-maintained, though it's not pushchair-friendly. Kids aged eight-plus with decent legs will manage it fine. Photography types will find the light changes throughout the day genuinely rewarding here - the rock walls catch the sun differently depending on the time.

Admission appears to be free, and there's no formal gate, though the car park fills quickly on weekends. Spring and early autumn are your best bets - summer gets rammed and winter can be muddy and grim. The surrounding Mourn Mountains offer plenty more walking if you're based at one of the nearby glamping spots like Oakwood or Willowtree. It's worth the trip, though don't expect crowds or facilities. Just landscape.