NORTHERN IRELAND
Tollymore Forest Park, Co Down
When most people travel to Northern Ireland they'll often only have time to explore the more famous north coast. This means missing out on the magnificent mountains and quieter beaches of the southeast coast.
The Mourne Mountains hug the coastline, sweeping into the sea at Newcastle, whilst Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest mountain, dominates the town.
As a keen walker I'm a regular visitor to the Mournes, and occasionally base myself in Tollymore Forest Park. From here, it's a short drive to the numerous start points into the hills.
The forest park sits at the foot of the mountains and is only a five-minute drive from Newcastle should supplies be needed. The town itself has an attractive seafront, and you can also walk all the way to the National Trust's Murlough National Nature Reserve and Dundrum Inner Bay when the tide is out.
Further afield, follow the coast road to the seaside villages of Dundrum, Annalong, Kilkeel, Cranfield and Rostrevor for an enjoyable day out.
Being based inside Tollymore Forest means there are endless walking and cycling options available from the ‘van door. There's a choice between riverside walks, direct access onto the hills or just sit back and enjoy the view from your pitch instead.
NThe campsite is managed by the Forest Service and many of the pitches sit
