[RWD version 1 ] This looped track offers Slievenalecka's steep north ridge with Loch an Duin view as a starter, Cnapan Mor with Cruach Sceirdre for the main and Slievanea with Pedlar's lake view to finish.
Parked at the turn for Cloghane (as suggested on MV by member aidand) and crossed the road to follow the path to Loch an Duin.
Before reaching the lake I veered west to gain height and the northern ridge of slievenalecka. This is a hill best appreciated from this ridge to its north as its steep and narrowing spire rises up ahead. The posts of an old fence line the way but soon the incline becomes challenging and the height gain considerable with hands, strong calf muscles and deep breaths required.
You promise yourself it can't be much further and sure enough the ridge tops out right at the summit. Coum an aire lies before you to the south before the steep rise to Cnapan Mor, and the views over Loch an Duin behind to the startpoint are splendid.
After a tough start I opted for an easier ascent to Cnapan mor by heading for the outlet of an Loch dubh, the most easterly of the lakes, where I crossed the stream with boots in hand before ascending the eastern side taking a south westerly line to find a large stone pile where views towards Iveragh are striking and the gentle walk west to the summit can be savoured.
From the summit of Cnapan mor the remainder of the route is obvious in good weather. Don't leave out Cruach Sceirde.
I descended north from Slievanea NE down rocky slopes before following a wall down to the edge of the forestry - the last kilometre back by road being a small price to pay for the comfort of knowing no access issues will arise and no second car is needed.