The Mourne Mountains are an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' dominated by a compact ring of 12 mountains with 6 peaks over 600m with Slieve Donard being the highest at 853m! The area actually provided the inspiration for CS Lewis to write the Chronicles of Naria.

The Mourne Mountains and the surrounding areas are the perfect setting for any outdoor adventurers.

• Services 17/17a/240 are available from Newcastle to Castlewellan Forest Park, with its Castle and lake. If you enjoy Tollymore Forest Park this is another option for woodland walking in the area.

• To see what's on offer further afield, Service 26B operates from Newcastle to Lisburn and Sprucefield Shopping Centre, with stops in Seaforde and Ballynahinch. Service 20 is also available for Belfast.

• Explore other areas of the South East Coast, visit Kilkeel and Cranfield Beach with the 407 Kilkeel Rambler. Service 39 is also available for Rostrevor, Warrenpoint and Newry.

• Service 17/17a also serves Downpatrick. Visit the St Patrick's Centre, the Down County Museum, the Down Arts Centre and the Downpatrick and Co. Down Railway.

Located within the Kingdom of the Mournes is the fishing port town of Kilkeel. Kilkeel boasts a harbour full of sights and sounds with a stunning backdrop of the Mourne Mountains.

The Blue Flag beach of Cranfield is a popular family seaside location with numerous caravan parks and a spectacular coastline.

• Walk along Cranfield beach to Greencastle Royal Castle at the entrance to Carlingford Lough (approx. 5 miles). Visit Mourne Seafood Cookery School at Kilkeel Harbour and go shopping in Kilkeel Town Centre.

• Service 39 from Kilkeel to Newry follows the scenic route to Warrenpoint and Rostrevor. Bus connections are also available to Newcastle.

• Fishing, water sports and golfing activities are widely available throughout the South East coast. For further information, contact Kilkeel Tourist Information Centre. Tel 028 4176 2525

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the heather clad heights of the Sperrins encompasses a landscape of magical contrasts, creating the perfect environment for the avid outdoor enthusiast and a hideaway treat for those seeking solitude.

• For those interested in finding out about local history visit the Ulster American Folk Park, just outside Omagh which follows the story of Irish emigration. Also next door is the Mellon Fun Farm. Express Service 273 from Omagh stops on request outside the main gates to the Folk Park.

• There are a number of walking tours in the Magherafelt District, including the Magherafelt Highway to Health (www.magherafelt.gov.uk).

• Gortin Glen Forest Park provides a gateway to the Sperrin Mountains and Gortin Lakes. Stroll along nature trails and enjoy the views of the superb landscape (www.nidirect.gov.uk/forests)

The Causeway Coast offers majestic landscapes steeped in Myths and Legends.

One of Europe's most scenic and breathtaking landscapes the Causeway Coast is one of eight Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Northern Ireland. Majestic cliffs overlook the golden sands that merge into fishing villages and silent glens creating a rich natural tapestry which man has interwoven with history, heritage, culture and Myth.

Starting from the Dunluce Castle through the fishing village of Portballintrae ending at the unique world renowned Giants Causeway this walk was voted third in the top ten best British coastal walks, as featured in 'The Independent'. Combined with Public Transport it is a great way to fully appreciate the North Coast.

• The North Coast Open Topper Service 177 is a novel way to connect from the Giant's Causeway. Weather permitting this open top Double-Decker bus operates to Portrush and Coleraine from 1 July – 1 September 2013.

• The Antrim Coaster Service 252 is a great way to continue along the scenic coastline to Ballycastle, Cushendun, Cushendall, Waterfoot, Glenarm, Larne, Carrickfergus and Belfast. This service operates until 29 September 2013.