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 | Turn L out of entrance of Hilandar Monastery main entrance and walk downhill on the main road, passing the graveyard and ossuary on the L and ignoring road entering from R. |
| 130 | At junction, fork L on road (soon broad K). Pass shrine with wooden cross on R and continue through olive grove. Pass big shrine on R. K bends slightly R. Ignore track coming from back R. KSO now on track. |
| 460 | Ignore track from back L with ford and a small bridge beside it. KSO to pass field with tall cypress trees on R and monument with cross and fountain. |
| 720 | At junction, fork R uphill on track (signed Esphigmenou).
Note: Taking the track straight on/L here leads to Mulutin Tower (after 520m), to the Arsanas and beach of Hilandar (after 1050m) and to the Cell of Agios Vasilios on the shore (after 1400m). |
| 380 | Ignore track to R, which is an alternative route to
Esphigmenou. KSO through fields and vineyards. View of Esphigmenou Monastery soon appears. |
| 520 | Ignore track to R (with a small building and antenna). KSO |
| 300 | Pass through gate. |
| 80 | Turn L on track to arsanas. Cross bridge. |
| 60 | Turn R under pergola. |
| 150 | Arrive at the main entrance of Esphigmenou Monastery. |