Note: All distances given (in metres) should be taken as approximate. The route described is liable to unpredictable change: for example, forestry work, road or track construction and plant growth may alter the route, or its appearance. Signposts may disappear or new ones appear. The Friends of Mount Athos strives to keep this description correct and up to date but cannot take responsibility for its accuracy.
| Abbreviations: |
L = Left; R = Right; KSO = Keep straight on;
FP = Footpath; K = Kalderimi (stone-paved FP or mule track) |
| Walk (m) | And then . . . |
|---|---|
| 0 | Leave gate of Skete of Bogoroditsa and head uphill along main track (which leads to the main Vatopedi - Karyes road). |
| 90 | Turn R along FP signed Profitis Ilias. Cross stream, passing remains of water system/mill. |
| 200 | Arrive at fork where the path to the Skete of Profitis Ilias and the connector to the historic Vatopedi – Pantokrator footpath diverge. Note: Straight on/R, downhill, continues toward the Skete of Profitis Ilias; L onto FP uphill connects to the Vatopedi – Pantokrator footpath. KSO/R, now descending more steeply. |
| 800 | Pass rocky viewpoint across valley to the Skete of Profitis Ilias opposite. |
| 650 | FP descends to track. Turn L onto track. |
| 55 | Opposite small cliff on L, watch for steep descent on R to FP (K)
which continues below (marked with orange tape).
Descend bank to follow FP downhill through woods.
Caution: Construction of the track has destroyed the original FP here. Its continuation may be difficult to find. Note: Continuing along the track leads to main road to Pantokrator. |
| 100 | Cross fine stone bridge over river at valley bottom and continue on FP, now uphill through woods. |
| 600 | FP emerges onto track with outer gate of Skete of Profitis Ilias ahead. Continue through gate towards Skete and pass to L of buildings. At corner of wall of Skete, turn R and follow wall. |
| 200 | Arrive at the entrance to central courtyard of Skete of Profitis Ilias. |