Friends of Mount Athos Logo FOOTPATHS OF THE HOLY MOUNTAIN

 

FROM ESPHIGMENOU TO VATOPEDI

 

Distance – 10 km.  Journey time 3 – 3½ hours

 

© The Friends of Mount Athos, 2007

This attractive journey, with fine views and scenery, divides into three roughly equal sections.  For the first section, the traditional path has been superseded by a forest road which climbs steadily up a valley and along a ridge.  The remainder of the route is almost entirely along historic kaldirimi or paved mule paths.  The second section leaves the road near the top, crosses into the next valley and descends to the sea.  The final part of the route follows the coast to the Monastery of Vatopedi.

 

Notes:  Be aware that, while the paths themselves do not move, over time it is possible for other details to change (eg, signposts disappear and appear, new roads or tracks appear).  Distances (in metres) have been measured by GPS and thus are horizontal measurements, without allowance for ascents or descents; they are normally accurate to within around 10 metres. 

 

Abbreviations:  L = Left; R = Right; KSO = Keep straight on;

                              FP = Footpath;  K = Kaldirimi stone path

 

 

Description of Route:

Distance (m)  Directions

         0       Turn L out of Esphigmenou Monastery gate and L again round monastery wall.

     100       Take main track R opposite monastery wall and follow side of cultivated valley.

     240       Take track first L (signed) by buildings (on R)

     550       Fork R, still on track.

     100       KSO on track through gate, ignoring track to L.

     160       Bear L on track; ignore track straight on/R.

     710       Bear R on main track at fork and continue along ridge with sea below on L

     500       At crossroads go R (signed)

     370       Cross fence across track which continues along R side of ridge

     390       Turn diagonally L off track onto FP (signed Vatopedi, but easily missed)

     360       Pass Esphigmenou-Vatopedi boundary stone on R.

   1600       Cross road.  KSO along FP.

   1200       Reach and turn L onto track (ignore original FP continuing straight on – now impassable).

     200       Reach shore and turn R. Follow shoreline to pick up FP between headland and sea.

     300       Reach shingle and continue along shore to pick up FP climbing diagonally R at next headland.

     300       After zigzag bends FP levels out and continues with sea below on L.

     500       Pass fountain (dry) behind and to R.

     730       Pass second fountain (dry) on R.

     660       Cross track; olive grove to R; KSO on FP; passing chapel above on L shortly before É

     180       Reach shore and continue beside sea with wall on R.

     330       Join track and continue KSO.

     220       Turn R up paved road.  (Straight on leads to Vatopedi arsanas)

     150       Arrive at Vatopedi Monastery entrance.

 

 

 

This description has been produced by The Friends of Mount Athos, a charitable organisation which, among other activities, works with monasteries to keep this, and certain other footpaths on the Holy Mountain, open.   Copies of this and similar descriptions are available, free, from the Friends website, www.athosfriends.org and in a number of places on or associated with the Holy Mountain.            

      May 2007